The Bacolod City prosecutor dismissed the complaint for grave threats and oral defamation filed against Bacolod City Councilor Al Victor Espino by a Bacolod Traffic Authority Office job order worker for lack of probable cause.
But the city prosecutor, found probable cause for the crime of “other light threats”.
The decision was penned by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Albert Arles and approved by City Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Ditching on October 31 and released to the media Tuesday, Nov. 28.
The complaint was filed by Abner Eliver Salvallon who alleged that Espino went to the BTAO office on Oct 18 and shouted at him.
Salvallon said Espino said ”Touch me again and I will shoot you.”
Espino said he had gone to the BTAO to look into a complaint of corruption at that office. He denied the allegation of Salvallon that he had a firearm when he went to the BTAO office.
Espino said he is vindicated and is preparing to file counter charges against Salvallon.
Meanwhile, the City Legal Office is set to present the results of its fact finding investigation on allegations of corruption at the BTAO but is waiting for the response of its previous head Maj. Junjie Liba.
It was under Liba’s watch that the complaints were made.*