Tuesday, November 13, 2007
MTC judge warns Joy Ouano: Show up or face arrest order
MUNICIPAL Trial Court in Cities Branch 8 Judge Delfin Decierdo said the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay of Mandaue City must attend a scheduled arraignment of the case filed against her.
In an order issued last Nov. 8, Judge Decierdo warned Liga president Jovita “Joy” Ouano that he will be forced to issue a warrant for her arrest if she does not show up on Jan. 24.
7 counts
The order was issued after Ouano failed to appear for the last two arraignments.
Ouano is facing seven counts of violation of the Anti-Bouncing Check Law.
Based on the records of the case, the original arraignment was scheduled last Aug. 2.
After Ouano did not show up to enter her plea, the hearing was reset to Nov. 8.
During the Nov. 8 hearing, lawyer Ivan Herrero said his client could not attend the proceedings because she was in Manila for an emergency meeting. Besides, there is an ongoing negotiation between the prosecution and the defense.
Herrero said: “It is just a matter of raising the necessary funds.”
No objection
Lawyer Ely Cusap did not object to resetting the case as long as the court issue a warrant for her arrest if Ouano again fails to show up.
Cusap is representing Contesa Realty and Development Corp.
In his affidavit, William Abing, the building supervisor of the corporation, said Ouano, who was doing business under Spotlite Company, signed a contract with them for five years.
However, during the second year of the lease, Ouano allegedly stopped paying rent.
Abing said they sent demand letters to Ouano who was able to settle her debt partially and promised to pay the balance through checks.
But when the checks were deposited, there was not enough money in her account to cover them. The account was later closed. (KNT)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (November 11, 2007 issue)
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