Court acquits mayor of falsification raps

GUAGUA town Mayor Dante Torres was ordered acquitted from falsification charges by the Regional Trial Court Branch 98 in a decision issued Tuesday, November 20.

This is in relation to the simple misconduct, or violation of Article 171 (4) of Revised Penal Code, and which meted the medium penalty of suspension from office for a period of three months.

Judge Marilou Runes-Tamang ordered Torres' acquittal last November 20 citing the presumption of regularity in the actions of the mayor. The judge also ordered the bail bond of P24,000 posted in November last year to be released in favor of Torres.

The court said that it finds the version of the defense witnesses more credible. The court was also convinced that the filing of the instant case is politically motivated.

“Finally, it is settled that the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties prevails until it is overcome by no less that clear and convincing evidence to the contrary,” the court added.

In December 2016, Torres was suspended for three months after he was found administratively liable for simple misconduct, or violation of Article 171 (4) of Revised Penal Code.

In February 2016, Torres was also suspended after complainant Juan Pring filed before the Ombudsman a separately complaint for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty against him.

The mayor allegedly signed a marriage certificate, which he did not officiate.