FORMER Talisay City mayor and now Councilor Socrates "Soc" Fernandez hopes the Sandiganbayan will consider the motion for reconsideration (MR) he filed last Monday, November 4, 2019.
Following the news that the Sandiganbayan has found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt of obstruction of justice in relation to the warrantless arrest of his adopted son, Joavan, in 2010, Fernandez made it clear that his camp is ready to pass the MR to higher courts if his request be denied.
On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, Fernandez answered several questions from the media in an event he attended at the Talisay City Hall.
Fernandez, who is also a bible preacher, said that he considers the verdict "a challenge" for him and his family. He added that he will surrender everything to God who "strengthens" him.
"Our family should still remain intact, help each other, especially through prayers. Joavan knows that that there is a process of law. It is written in the Holy Bible that everyone of us has to face different challenges in life. We have to accept and trust that the Lord will help us overcome these challenges," Fernandez said in Cebuano.
In a 19-page decision promulgated on October 25, 2019, the anti-graft court found sufficient proof that the councilor had taken advantage of his official position as mayor by unlawfully retrieving a lady’s shoulder bag from a vehicle that was under police custody and investigation.
Fernandez was sentenced to pay a fine of P6,000 with perpetual disqualification from holding public office. In case of insolvency, he will be required to undergo subsidiary imprisonment.
Fernandez is currently serving his last term as city councilor. (FMD of Superbalita Cebu/RSR)