Former-BI7 chief cleared of slander

CEBU, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has dismissed a criminal complaint for slander against former Bureau of Immigration-7 director Geronimo Rosas for lack of probable cause.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol turned down the recommendation of graft investigator Pio Dargantes which found sufficient evidence to indict Rosas of the crime of slander filed by Normi Mante, private secretary of assistant city prosecutor Mary Ann Castro.

Dargantes in a resolution dated April 2, 2008 found Rosas guilty of the complaint for accusing Mante of being a fixer without any legal basis coupled with the unpleasant remarks.

Dargantes recommended for Rosas' indictment before the court. However, Apostol dissented to Dargantes' findings. Apostol's dissenting resolution was approved by overall deputy ombudsman Mark Jalandoni.

According to Apostol, the alleged slanderous remark appears to be inappropriate and administratively censurable but it lacks malice because it was done to implement an office policy

On November 22, 2005, Mante was hired by Castro to assist in the clerical works at the BI-7 where the lady prosecutor used to be detailed as hearing officer of the Board of Special Inquiry.

Mante said on February 17, 2006, she met Rosas when she got an immigration form from Melanie Ouano, in-charge of the Implementation Unit.

Rosas allegedly shouted at her and accused her of being a "fixer" in front of the employees and the transacting public. Rosas however denied the accusation. (FREEMAN)