Estafa charge filed vs Joy O.

FORMER Opao barangay captain Jovita Tuela “Joy” Ouano was charged in court yesterday for allegedly stealing P331,000 from a businesswoman.

Ouano, the younger sister of Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano, will be facing trial for eight counts of estafa.

Bail was recommended at P326,000.

Assistant City Prosecutor Simaco Labata found probable cause to indict Ouano for the offenses committed from late 2005 and early 2006.

The estafa charge stemmed from the complaint of Clarita Boligor who alleged that the former barangay captain Ouano issued a check with a closed checking account.

Boligor said he asked Ouano on several occassions to replace the P331,000 loan.

However, her money claims remained unpaid.

Ouano said in an interview that the filing of the estafa charge against her was based on a “personal issue.”

She refused to further comment on the case that is now pending in court. / Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol