THE Office of the Ombudsman announced the conviction of a public school teacher in Cebu City for sexual abuse of his minor student in 2011.
A lower court in Cebu City found Raul Bayotlang guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Republic Act 7610, or An Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse, and qualified seduction.
He was sentenced to reclusion perpetua for violation of RA 7610 and another jail term ranging from four months to two years for qualified seduction.
The Ombudsman’s prosecutors presented witnesses who affirmed Bayotlang sexually molested the student in August 2011.
According to Judge Ester Veloso of Branch 6 of Cebu City, “the court has no reason to doubt the offended party’s testimony as there is no motive for her to fabricate such a story” and “since the accused is a public officer or employee, the penalty to be imposed upon him should be in the maximum period.”
Section 5 of RA 7610 penalizes a person who commits the act of sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct with a child exploited in prostitution or subjected to other sexual abuse.
The seduction of a virgin over 12 years and under 18 years of age, committed by any person in public authority, is penalized as qualified seduction.