The first step of a legal battle between the stalwarts of Dauis is completed following the formal filing of charges by the Sumaylos against the incumbent mayor Roman “Amoi” Bullen.
Dauis vice mayor Marietta Sumaylo and Liga ng mga Barangay-Dauis chapter president Josever Sumaylo completed step one by filing separate charges against Bullen.
The couple took their oath attesting the veracity of their complaint-affidavit before Provincial Prosecutor Nilo Ahat on Nov. 3, 2022 as the couple was assisted by lawyer Lord Marapao IV.
The couple then completed the process by submitting the complaint-affidavits to the Ombudsman-Visayas on Nov. 4, 2022, according to reports.
Vice Mayor Marietta filed a case of grave oral defamation, 3 counts of libel, and grave misconduct which is violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
On the other hand, Josever also filed similar complaints against Bullen; which makes a total of 10 counts.
The vice mayor is seeking P40 million in moral damages and P4 million for exemplary damages.
Josever seeks P20 million in moral damages and P2 million in exemplary damages.
CHARGES
The Sumaylos filed cases against Bullen in relation to the Dauis mayor’s speech delivered on Oct. 10, 2022 following the flag ceremony held at the premises of the Dauis Municipal Hall. The speech was supposed to be the rendering of a report of Bullen’s achievements after his 100 days since assumption of office on June 30, 2022.
In the speech, Bullen alleged that the Sumaylos are included in the drug matrix which, he said is in the possession of former President Duterte.
Bullen also mentioned Ryan Sigue as among those included in the alleged list of drug lords in Dauis.
“Ang nakalista didto mao ni tandaan ninyo mga kaigsoonan, mga kinsa pa naminaw diha. Sa Dauis, Marietta T. Sumaylo, Josever D. Sumaylo, Ryan Sigue. Mao nay nasulat, sa ubang lugar dili nako musulti. Ako mismo nakakita pod ko. Mao nay tinood mga kaigsoonan ko,” the mayor said in his speech.
Observers asked what Bullen’s basis is to make such bold allegations against the Sumaylo couple who is the mayor’s chief political adversary. To remember, Josever Sumaylo ran for mayor in the 2022 mayoralty elections but lost to Bullen.
SOLID BACKER
Former President Duterte, in a video, denied that the names of the Sumaylos are included in the drug matrix.
He said that he has the habit of divulging the names of drug lords in public and on television.
Bullen, during his speech at the Dauis municipal hall grounds, alleged that Duterte saw the names of the Sumaylos in the drug matrix.
VICE MAYOR’S STATEMENT
Speaking to reporters at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, the vice mayor said that she feels relieved that justice is now taking its course.
“Medyo na huwasan, kay at least nakapahungaw ta sa atong kahiubos ug worry ilabi na sa atong mga anak nga premero nga [ma] apekohan sa unsa man mga harassment nga himoon sa ubang tawo nato;” she said.
THE MAYOR’S REACTION
Days after the news broke out the Sumaylos are looking at filling charges against Bullen, the latter said that he is ready to face any case to be filed by the Sumaylos against him.
Interestingly, the Dauis mayor was also involved in a separate event where he was at the receiving end of a death threat.
While Bullen refuses to speculate who is behind the death threat, the mayor already took extra precautions.