City fiscal willing to inhibit from case against Tolentino

The city prosecutor’s office is willing to inhibit from the complaints filed by a policeman against former Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Cebu City Chapter president Alex Tolentino.

City prosecution chief Nicolas Sellon said he will not hesitate to grant Tolentino’s plan to have the office inhibit from resolving the complaints because it is a right that Tolentino may avail of, all he needs to do is file a formal written request.

The filing of the cases against Tolentino stemmed from accusations he stole documents needed for the filing of charges against his clients. Tolentino also allegedly berated PO2 Jerybel Lerio of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau and accused her of planting evidence against his clients during a confrontation at the prosecutor’s office last week.

In her affidavit, Lerio said Tolentino protested the filing of the cases against Emerita Bontuyan and Alma Ledamo, who were earlier arrested for alleged possession of illegal drugs.

“With deliberate intent to cause dishonor, discredit and contempt not only to myself but to the entire police organization and without due respect to himself as an officer of the court...he uttered at the top of his voice causing me and the entire police organization embarrassment, dishonor and contempt,” Lerio alleged.

In her affidavit, Lerio said she did not bother to argue with Tolentino and continued processing the documents. But while the clerk segregated the papers, Tolentino allegedly stole the case files.

But Tolentino said that if indeed he snatched the documents, Lerio should have already arrested him there and then.

Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Raul Cristoria is also expected to execute an affidavit against Tolentino. 

“For delicadeza’s sake, I will not hesitate to accommodate his request…there is a reason for him to feel uncomfortable,” Sellon said.

Sellon explained further that it is the right of a party in any complaint to seek for the office’s inhibition, especially if that party is not confident with the partiality of the investigating body.   Tolentino said he is optimistic that he will be cleared from all charges.  — Joeberth M. Ocao/BRP