Bulacan execs back slay suspect
CITY OF MALOLOS—Bulacan Board Member Allan Robes has been absent from the legislative assembly for nearly a month after he surrendered to authorities for shooting and killing the estranged boyfriend of his mother-in-law, former Quezon City Representative Nanette Castelo-Daza.
But in spite of the filing of a homicide charge against him—a move which could affect his political career—the provincial board offered Robes their sympathy and support in a February 21 resolution, the Philippine Daily Inquirer learned this week.
Robes is the husband of Quezon City Councilor Jessica Castelo.
He has been released after posting bail although he has not been spotted in the province or the provincial capitol for weeks.
Vice Governor Daniel Fernando said the board passed the resolution to remind the public that Robes was innocent until found guilty by a court for the Feb. 10 death of 55-year-old Noel Orate Sr. in Daza’s house in Quezon City.
The resolution reads: “Robes is currently facing charges for defending himself and his family. He is fighting for the truth to clear his name and prove his innocence. Under the law, he has the right to explain the circumstances of the case and he should be considered innocent until he is proven guilty.”
“The provincial board is behind Board Member Robes and his dedication to service, integrity and outstanding performance in the fourth district,” it added.
Fernando said many of the board members had also offered to help Robes financially. “The financial [support] was voluntary,” he added.
Robes has not replied to calls or text inquiries sent by the Inquirer.
Robes, his wife and Daza earlier said that the board member acted in self-defense after the victim allegedly barged in and tried to hold them hostage over his soured 10-year relationship with the former lawmaker.
Daza, who also injured her foot in the commotion, said Noel Orate was trying to win her back after she broke up with him last month.
But Orate’s heirs vehemently denied this, saying it was Daza who had asked their father to come over and that he was the one who had initiated the breakup.
