Palawan mayor couple found guilty of child abuse

The Palawan Regional Trial Court has found Culion Mayor Cesar “Oyet” De Vera and his wife, Vice Mayor Maria Virginia Nakachi De Vera, guilty of child abuse for beating a 15-year-old boy inside a police station in 2018.

In a 73-page decision, Acting Presiding Judge Ryan Hartzell Balisacan of RTC Branch 163 ruled that the couple was guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The De Veras were each sentenced to four years and two months up to six years and one day in prison, fined ₱15,000 each, and ordered to pay ₱40,000 in damages, with 6% annual interest until fully paid.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the victim’s parents, who claimed that their son was beaten inside the Culion Police Station on June 18, 2018, when Maria Virginia was still the mayor. Her husband Cesar, now the incumbent mayor, was tagged as a co-conspirator.

Court records showed that the couple allegedly slapped, punched, and pulled the hair of the victim, identified only as “AAA.”

Now 20 years old and serving as a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, the victim testified that a friend warned him the police were acting under the mayor’s orders. He later identified the De Veras as his assailants.

The court found the boy’s testimony credible and consistent, supported by eight witnesses, including his parents and other eyewitnesses.

Judge Balisacan said the couple’s acts were a clear case of abuse and humiliation that violated the child’s rights and dignity.

The De Veras remain free on bail and have 15 days to appeal the verdict before it becomes final.

In a statement, Mayor Cesar De Vera said they respect the court’s decision but denied the child abuse allegations, stressing that they will appeal the ruling to the Court of Appeals.