The two Bureau of Fire Protection employees who were arrested last Wednesday for allegedly extorting P10,000 from an official of a private school were charged with direct bribery yesterday.
The National Bureau Of Investigation (NBI) has filed charges against Fire Safety Inspector Leonidas Binatero Jr. and SFO4 Joseph Ababon before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday afternoon.
Binatero and Ababon waived their rights to undergo a preliminary investigation which could have given them a chance to file their counter affidavit.
Prosecutor Liceria Rabillas recommended the filing of a case before the Regional Trial Court.
Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code states that a public officer commits direct bribery if he or she agrees to perform an act constituting a crime, in connection with the performance of this official duties, in consideration of any offer, promise, gift or present.
Separate charges will be filed against the two before the Office of the Ombudsman for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Manilyn Mar, executive manager of South Speak English Institute Inc. accused the two of demanding P10,000 from her in exchange for a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, a requirement for the renewal of their business permit.
Mar sought help from the NBI that resulted in the arrest of the two in an entrapment at the Cebu City Treasurer’s Office.
They were allegedly caught in the act of receiving the bribe money.
Binatero and Ababon refused to comment on the allegation against them./USJR intern Zonah Mae K. Perez
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