Lawyers’ group in Capiz assures protection of rape complainant

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-(IBP) Capiz chapter assured to protect the rights of the 37-year-old lady motorcycle rider and vlogger who accused a member of the Contreras clan of rape.

Atty. Judgee Earl Ross Del Castillo, IBP-Capiz chapter president, said the group will assist the complainant upon the request of her fellow motorcycle riders.

The lady rider accused EJ Contreras of raping her in Pontevedra, Capiz last week.

EJ is the son of Capiz provincial Board Member Esteban Jose “Steve” Contreras, a brother of Governor Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras.

Nonoy and Steve are sons of former Capiz governor now Pontevedra Mayor Esteban “Dodoy” Contreras.

Del Castillo clarified that they will not become part of the complainant’s legal team but will only help assure that her rights will be respected.

The group designated Atty. Marites Dela Pieza-Layo in aiding the complainant.

Del Castillo added that Layo assisted the Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of Pontevedra PNP in writing the complaint affidavit of the victim.

Del Castillo asked the public to refrain from commenting on the case because it is already with the authorities.

Meanwhile, Board Member Contreras does not believe that his son EJ raped the lady rider who is a pharmacist by profession.

He said that he knows his son as a loving person and softspoken and he could not commit such crime.

“I know that my son drinks liquor, but he never engaged in illegal acts,” the board member said as he asked the public to give his son the benefit of the doubt.

Board Member Contreras assured that he will order his son’s arrest and detention if the allegations are proven to be true.

The board member said he did not coddle or hide his son because the latter has his own house.