Manila city hall employee charged with rape

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has ordered the filing of charges against a city hall employee for allegedly raping his live-in partner’s 11-year-old niece for a year.

Lim also ordered that Boyet Valencia, assigned at the parks and recreations bureau, be put under preventive suspension while the case against him is being investigated.

The victim, accompanied by her parents, asked for Lim’s help. The girl said Valencia has raped her several times since last year, and the last time was on Aug. 19, when her aunt was at work.

The girl stays with her aunt, who is Valencia’s partner, since her parents are estranged and now have families of their own.

City social welfare head Jay de la Fuente said criminal and administrative charges will be filed against Valencia.