A setup, cries university prof on molest rap
THE UNIVERSITY professor who was accused of molesting his 23-year-old student yesterday denied the allegations against him, hinting the incident could have been a setup.
Rogelio Plaza, 30, said it was not true that he made advances on his female student on Wednesday night at the latter’s apartment.
“The writeups I read (on the Net) were unfair because they were saying I sexually harassed her. That is not true,” he told reporters at the Masambong police station where he was detained.
Plaza, who teaches computer subjects at the University of Manila, was subjected to inquest proceedings Friday at the Quezon City prosecutors office for acts of lasciviousness based on a complaint filed by his student.
The female student alleged that the professor invited her for a drink after Plaza told her to explain in writing her absence from class on Feb. 17.
The victim also alleged that the professor went to her apartment Wednesday night during which they shared drinks. The woman complained that she was dizzy and that Plaza molested her using foul language.
Article continues after this advertisementBut according to Plaza, the invitation to drink was directed at all students who were given the same penalty as the victim.
Article continues after this advertisementThe professor said there were 10 students who had unexplained absences and who were also told to explain so in writing.
He added that it was allegedly the victim who invited him to her apartment and that it was the victim who was constantly asking him if the drinking session will push through.
The alleged molestation happened at the victim’s apartment in Barangay Damayan.
Relating his own account of events, the professor said he and the student consumed a bottle of liquor after which the girl complained of having chest pains.
In an effort to help her relieve her discomfort, Plaza said he touched the girl’s chest area but “without malice.”
The girl’s roommate then arrived at the apartment with two men who claimed to be cops. “It looks like a set up to me,” Plaza said, adding the student was fully clothed all the time.
