Teacher facing abuse raps seeks court help

A PUBLIC school teacher accused of molesting a 13-year-old student is seeking court intervention after being suspended by the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Raul Bayotlang asked the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Cebu City to issue a 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the suspension order issued by the anti-graft office.

Named respondents were Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol and Department of Education in Central Visayas director Recaredo Borgonia.

Bayotlang said he was not allowed to issue a counter-affidavit by the anti-graft office which meted him a six-month preventive suspension without pay.

RTC Judge Soliver Peras has submitted the petition filed by Bayotlang for resolution.

The Ombudsman-Visayas indicted Bayotlang on charges of qualified seduction and child abuse.

Bayotlang was released from detention after he posted bail amounting to P50,000 on the two charges.

Bayotlang was arrested by the victim’s uncle, a policeman.

In her affidavit, the victim claimed to be Bayotlang’s girlfriend. Bayotlang, she said, is her teacher in an Electronics subject.

At around 11:30 p.m. last Aug 29, the victim said she was staying at the school’s vicinity after attending a Leadership Training seminar.

She said she noticed that one of the computers was lighted.

When she went to the room, she saw the respondent and allegedly hugged and kissed her. The victim said she was raped by the respondent.

She said  Bayotlang started their relationship last July 10. After she was raped, the victim told her to go out.

Under the law, qualified seduction is committed on a “virgin over 12 years and under 18 years of age, committed by any person in public authority.”

Bayotlang has denied the charges against him. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol