26/06/2024
Town Mayor and Vice Mayor Face Legal
Complaints in Regional Trial Court
In a significant legal development, both the Town Mayor and Vice Mayor of Balilihan have received complaints filed against them in the Regional Trial Court, highlighting various serious allegations.
Mayor Faces Multiple Charges
in Civil Case No. 10377
Mayor Pureza Chatto, along with the Municipality of Balilihan, Engr. John Paul T. Gascon, Aquaterra Kenstrukt Inc./JA Achacoso Enterprises and General Services (Joint Venture), and several individuals, has been named in Civil Case No. 10377. The complaint lists several serious charges including injunction, prohibition, violation of the Sanitation Code, trespassing, and damages.
The complaint emphasizes a critical issue concerning the unauthorized construction and operation of a water source. According to Section 3.2.3 of the Supplemental Implementing Rules and Regulations of Chapter II - "Water Supply," of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856), "No construction, installation and operation of the water source shall be done without an approved Initial Permit issued by the (Department of Health) Regional Health Director." This case, as stated in the complaint, represents a gross violation of fundamental public health principles, property rights, and due process as enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution.
Vice Mayor Accused of Trespassing
and Unjust Vexation
Simultaneously, Vice Mayor Esther Patrisha V. Chatto is facing complaints for other forms of trespass under Article 281 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and unjust vexation under Article 287 of the RPC, in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (R.A. 10175). The complaint was formally filed by a resident of Balilihan for incidents that allegedly occurred on May 28, 2024, in Magsaysay, Sevilla, Bohol.
The charges against Vice Mayor Chatto highlight accusations of intrusion and causing distress through actions that breached personal privacy and peace. The complaint has been submitted through the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Province of Bohol.
Legal and Community Implications
These legal proceedings have significant implications for local governance and community relations in Balilihan. The allegations against both the mayor and vice mayor bring to light critical issues regarding the enforcement of public health regulations, respect for property rights, and the ethical conduct expected of public officials.
The community is closely monitoring these cases, which could influence public trust and the future political landscape in the region. As the legal process unfolds, both the mayor and vice mayor will need to address these serious charges and defend their actions in court.
The complaints against Mayor Pureza Chatto and Vice Mayor Esther Patrisha V. Chatto reflect broader concerns about governance, legal compliance, and the protection of public health and property rights in Balilihan. These cases will not only test the legal frameworks in place but also the resilience and integrity of local leadership. The community awaits further developments, hoping for justice and adherence to the rule of law.