Raps vs Danao exec remain

FALSIFICATION charges against Danao City Administrator Jesus “Don” Durano will continue after the court found no basis to dismiss them.

In her order, Regional Trial Court Judge Sylvia Aguirre Paderanga also denied a request by Durano to determine if there was probable cause to issue an arrest warrant against him.

While a similar case is pending before the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas, Paderanga said the nature of the case pending before her is different.

She said there is no need to conduct a hearing on the determination of probable cause.

Jesus Durano is facing charges of falsification of documents for allegedly making “untruthful statements” in his Personal Data Sheet (PDS).

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by Jesus’ brother and Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and the Danao City Council against him.

Jesus allegedly provided false details in his PDS, a requirement for his appointment as city administrator.

He stated in his data sheet that he was never charged with any criminal offense in court.

The complainants said Jesus was facing charges of grave coercion, obstruction of justice and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority before the Municipal Trial Court.

Acting Danao City Prosecutor Rodulf Joseph Val Carillo gave Jesus a chance to submit a counter-affidavit to refute the allegations but he did not. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol