Former Danao City administrator Jesus “Don” Durano is facing trial for allegedly falsifying a document he submitted for his appointment.
The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas found sufficient basis to indict Don for falsification of public document.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by his brother, former Danao City Vice Mayor and now Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III as well as the city council in June 2011.
The complainants accused Don of falsifying his Personal Data Sheet (PDS) by making it appear that he has no pending cases in court.
Based on the investigation, Don was charged with grave coercion, obstruction of justice, and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities in Danao City.
In his counter-affidavit, Don said he made an “honest mistake” when he answered “no” to the question “have you been formally charged?”
He said he thought the item was related to next the question that stated “Have you been guilty of an administrative offense?”
To show good faith, Don amended his PDS to rectify the alleged mistake.
Graft investigation and prosecution officer Katherine Genovesa, however, did not gave weight to Don’s defense.
“Respondent’s reliance on good faith or honest mistake is untenable. One who invokes good faith must show honesty of intention, free from knowledge of circumstances which ought to put one upon inquiry,” Genovesa said.
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