Wednesday, January 14, 2009 School execs file motion for reconsideration
THE University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) officials who were charged with reckless imprudence resulting to homicide for the death of a college freshman during a school pageant in 2006 submitted a motion for reconsideration.
But Prosecutor Maria Gemma Dabbay-Tambis said only the officials, through their counsels, submitted their motion for reconsideration.
She said the resolution for the motion for reconsideration (MR) was endorsed to the office of the Ombudsman.
"Kahit sila lang ang nag-MR, pati 'yung kaso ng mga estudyante forwarded din sa Ombudsman kasi isang incident lang naman 'yun lahat," Tambis said.
Charged were the organizers, all Usep students: Iive Marie Dacay, Irish Mae Bernaldez, Arjay Arcena, Alvin Sequia, Ma. Juliet Vasay, Jared Rick Tagra, Esther Ledesma, Janice Love de Guzman, and Rod Stephen Mariano.
Also named respondent in the lawsuit are Usep president Dr. Julieta Ortiz; Usep vice president Rodolfo Sumugnot; director of Office of Student Services Dr. Romulo Dequito; Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Marie Rose Escalada; Professor Catherine Roble, adviser of the Guild of English Students -- the organization behind the pageant; Emma Gobates, the person who signed the contract to use the social hall; and Gilbert Gordo, the social hall in charge.
The Usep officials will also be facing administrative charges aside from the criminal case.
All were accused of being responsible for the death of Cheryl Sarate, who died after the gown she was wearing caught fire while doing her catwalk for the show last July 20.
Sarate was rushed to the Davao Medical Center where she was treated for third degree burns, but died two days later. (RMH)
