BINAN MAYOR RAPE CASE STILL OPEN
Manila, Sept. 28, 1997 - The Supreme Court has ordered a thorough study of the dropping of a rape case against Binan Mayor Bayani Alonte.
The case arose from complaints filed by a 16-year-old student who alleged that the mayor abused her in his resthouse last year. The complainant filed an affidavit of desistance last month, effectively withdrawing her complaint.
Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Maximo Sevillano told reporters that the high court ordered a careful and thorough study of the complainant's action, to find out if she was coerced or bullied into signing the affidavit of desistance by the influential connections of the mayor.
He recalled earlier reports that the alleged rape victim was offered P5 million and an overseas holiday with the family if she would drop her complaint.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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