The drugs cases filed against two former faculty members of Silliman University in Dumaguete City were ordered withdrawn by the Regional Trial Court.

Presiding Judge Crescencio Tan Jr. of the RTC Branch 30 disclosed that his order dated March 26, 2008 stemmed from the recommendation of 3rd Assistant City Prosecutor Rodolfo Tropezado, who believes that the evidence submitted by complainants -- the People of the Philippines -- do not support the allegations in the complaint.

Freed by the recommendation of the prosecuting fiscal with the approval of city prosecutor Adrian Borromeo are former SU faculty Clementino Balasabas Jr. alias Jojo and Agapael Alviola Orteza.

Both were nabbed by Task Force 24 in January this year at the former’s residence in Piapi.

Balasabas was charged with violation of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9165 for maintaining a drug den, which the law enforcers had failed to prove. He should have been charged with using, the judge said.

Orteza was charged with violation of Section 7 or using illegal drugs, but was later found negative of drugs use.

Tan said the withdrawal was due to lapses in the filing of appropriate charges.

Both should have been charged with possession, the presiding judge said.

Records of the drugs court showed more dismissals than acquittals during the first quarter this year.*JG

back to top