Cebu Daily News / News

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Graft probe on Soc soon Cebu Daily News Posted date: October 16, 2008 THE Ombudsman’s investigation on Talisay City Mayor Socrates “Soc” Fernandez is picking up steam. Assistant Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Virginia Palanca-Santiago. said they would submit the documents gathered against Fernandez to their investigator this week. The documents include newspaper clippings that the mayor allegedly gave money and offered jobs to complainants of the cases filed against his adopted son Joavan. Joavan is now detained to face charges of serious illegal detention and physical injuries. Santiago said the case investigator, whom she refused to name, will study the documents and call the attention of those involved in the case if necessary. If Fernandez violated some laws, then the Ombudsman will file a formal complaint. Fernandez allegedly paid and promised jobs to Winston and Merceditha Abellana, who earlier filed cases against Joavan but later backed out. Meanwhile, Oscar Abellana and his son Osbert, the complainants who vowed to press their case against Joavan, could not yet avail of the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program due to lack of requirements. The Abellanas lack a recommendation from the Talisay City police station, said Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Graeme June Elmido. Also, Elmido said Osbert did not submit his birth certificate while Oscar failed to give his marriage certificate. Acting Talisay City Police Chief Jovito Canlapan said he was willing to give the recommendation but Oscar and Osbert had not yet asked for it./Reporter Hayde Quiñanola and Correspondent Ador Vincent Mayol