SC upholds filing of rape case vs Surigao solon

The Supreme Court on Monday reversed the Court of Appeal’s (CA) decision that junked the rape complaint filed in 2001 against then Surigao del Norte governor Francisco Matugas, who is now a member of the House of Representatives. The high court said in its ruling that the CA had no jurisdiction over the complaint filed six years ago against Matugas at the time it was decided. The complainant, a former employee of Matugas, claimed that the accused tried to rape her in 1995 when she accompanied the then governor to Manila. She filed the case only in 2001 after Matugas lost his bid for a congressional seat. The Department of Justice ordered the filing of the rape case against Matugas at the Pasay City Regional Trial Court, but Matugas asked the CA to reverse the DOJ's order. In a report aired over radio dzBB on Monday, Matugas blamed his political rivals, the Barbers family, for allegedly influencing the woman to file the case against him. He mentioned the name of the late Senator Robert “Bobby" Barbers as one of those who influenced the complainant. Matugas said he will not use his current position as a shield and that he is ready to face his accuser in court, but added he will file a motion for reconsideration at the Supreme Court. In a text message to GMANews.TV, Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers assailed Matugas for dragging his father's name on the case. “Huwag n'ya nang idamay ang tatay ko dahil wala na ito. Isa pa, papaano maiimpluwensyahan ng tatay ang SC?," the governor said. The young Barbers added that Matugas should be man enough to face his accuser and stop pointing his finger at his family. “Kung gumawa siya ng kalokohan, panagutan n'ya," he said. - GMANews.TV