No decision yet on Lachica vs Tolentino case

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

More than seven months have passed since the filing of the case, yet there’s no decision has been made on the administrative case involving a radio reporter and a town councilor.

Ma-ann Berdonar Lachica filed an administrative complaint against Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan member Augusto Tolentino before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan last October 2014. 

Before the hearing on Friday, SP member Plaridel Morania, who leads an investigating committee, has reminded all parties to stop discussing in media the merits of the case.

He bewailed some individuals that consistently claiming in media interviews that the investigating committee had already rendered a decision. 

Morania said “until the completion of the investigation, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the decision of the committee which will create confusion in the minds of the public.”

He also assured the public that the committee will “demonstrate integrity, thorough and unbiased investigation” into the alleged gross misconduct of Tolentino. 

On Friday, Lachica took the stand face to face with the defendant Tolentino at Aklan SP session hall. 

The investigating committee also scheduled a marathon hearing on June 16. 

The complaint stemmed from the confrontation between the 25-year-old Lachica and Tolentino at Kalibo SB session hall after the latter asked in a loud voice, “Iya ro reporter ngara ni Jodel nga saea-saea magtao it balita?” 

The councilor was referring to Jodel Rentillo, a radio announcer for “Prangkahan Morning Edition” program of Energy FM/Radio Kasimanwa.

When the SB member asked again, “Iya andang reporter gapamati nga saea saea magta-o it impormasyon sa anang anchor,” Lachica answered, “Sir, ako ro reporter it Energy FM nga assigned iya, hay ako gid man ing ginapabati-batian?”

Lachica, in her sworn affidavit dated October 2, 2014, said Tolentino shot back: “Huo. Saea-saea ka magta-o it impormasyon sa imong amo. Ag ikaw indi ka kaantiguhan mag-correct sing anchor kung saea imaw mag-report. Kunta ikaw mismo, korekan mo imaw, hay ikaw ro beat reporter!”