News briefs

EXEC’S PLEA

A HEARING officer of the Department of Labor and Employment entered a plea of “not guilty” on accusations of extorting money from from a spa owner last May 5.

Wilfredo Wagas denied the allegations during his arraignment before Regional Trial Court Judge Raphael Yrastroza of Branch 13 on Thursday.

He was assisted by lawyer Salvador Solima.A pre-trial conference is scheduled on Oct. 14.

Wagas was arrested in an entrapment operation at a coffee shop in Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City.

He is facing charges for violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Businessman Johnie Lim, owner of Body and Sole Franchising Corp., filed a complaint against Wagas after he allegedly gave P5,000 in exchange for settling labor disputes with employees. However, Wagas allegedly demanded P7,000 from Lim last May 2.

Wagas secured temporary liberty liberty pending trial after he posted a P30,000 bail./Reporter ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL

RIPRAP FUNDS

BARANGAY Bulacao captain Raul Cabañero is asking the Talisay City government to provide funds to build a riprap in danger areas in the barangay near a subdivision.

Cabañero made his call after a settling pond of the subdivision collapsed on Saturday dawn due to heavy rains.

The pond’s collapse caused water and mud to fall on a basketball court near a day care center, which was below the subdivision.

No one was hurt but mud and some debris covered the basketball court.

Cabañero said he had asked the Talisay City government for two years for funds to build a riprap. He hoped that after this incident, the city government would grant his request.

Cabañero was also hoping for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to look into the subdivision’s drainage systems, which he claimed to be a risk to the residents in the area. /Correspondent Carine M. Asutilla