Mayor files counter charges vs accuser

AFTER the court dismissed the rape case against Mayor Enrico Roque of Pandi, Bulacan, he retaliated and filed a countersuit against his accuser who he claimed tarnished his reputation and public image.

RETRIBUTION Pandi Mayor Enrico Roque (center) files a perjury case against Mikaela Mariano at the Caloocan City Prosecutor Office on April 4, 2025. He also offered a P2-million reward to anyone who can provide information of the whereabouts of the respondent. PANDI LGU PHOTO

He also offered a P2-million reward to anyone who can provide information on the whereabouts of Mikaela Mariano, who filed a rape case against the mayor that was dismissed by the court in February.

Based on court records, Mariano is a resident of 1097 Langit Road, Barangay 188, Bagong Silang, Caloocan.

Roque has also filed charges of perjury and falsification of public or official documents against Mariano at Branch 21 of the Caloocan Regional Trial Court on April 4, 2025.

In his complaint-affidavit, the mayor said that Mariano falsely represented herself as a rape victim and presented fake public and official documents as evidence supporting her claim.

Among the documents cited are an Endorsement to Conduct Medical Examination dated April 7, 2019, and a Medico-Legal Certificate dated April 10, 2019.

The mayor said the respondent lied by making false statements throughout her complaint.

"The allegations made by Mikaela have been completely refuted by numerous pieces of evidence, clearly proving that her claims have no factual basis whatsoever," said Roque, who insisted that these documents are not only fake but are deliberately used to defame his name and reputation.

Two other persons were implicated in the case but were also cleared of rape charges.

"This is not only an attack on my character," the mayor said. "But a gross abuse of our justice system."

The Caloocan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 121 dismissed the fabricated rape cases against Roque, municipal councilor Reynaldo Roxas and Rogelio Raymundo on Feb. 25, 2025.

Based on the resolution of the RTC Caloocan Branch 121 in dismissing the said case, it was asserted that the alleged complainant never showed up despite the gravity of the case; the period during which the case was investigated was more than five years, without follow-up from the complainant; the address provided in the investigation data form appears to be incorrect; and the attached medico-legal certificate appears to be fabricated.

Roque maintains that the case filed against him is politically motivated and a malicious attack on his character and reputation.

Meanwhile, Joji Alonso, the mayor's legal counsel, said his supporters and close allies have come together to raise P2 million as reward fund. This amount will allegedly be awarded to any individual who can provide concrete information and identify the person or persons responsible for filing the case against the mayor and two others.