Labor arbiter posts bail on graft charges

A LABOR arbiter who was arrested in an entrapment operation at a coffee shop in Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City, last Thursday posted a P30,000 bail last Saturday afternoon.

The 53-year-old arbiter named Wilfredo Wagas posted bail pending the resolution of the graft charges filed against him by a Cebu City spa owner, who accused him of trying to extort P7,000 from him.

Wagas is also charged with violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Maria Regina Hagad-Fernandez elevated the charges against Wagas to the court.

Wagas declined to undergo preliminary investigation, which would have enabled him to submit a counteraffidavit to refute the charges against him.

Members of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Cebu City Police Office hatched an entrapment operation against Wagas following a complaint filed by businessman Johnie Lim, owner of Body and Sole Franchising Corp.

In his affidavit, Lim said Wagas allegedly showed to him a document narrating the officer’s findings on alleged labor violations he committed and a computation of his alleged liabilities to five employees.

Lim claimed that Wagas told him that there are companies that give “pahalipay” or financial gifts to labor arbiters in exchange for settling labor disputes with employees. Lim gave Wagas P5,000, which he accepted.

However, Wagas demanded P7,000 from Lim last May 2.

The businessman sought police assistance and an entrapment was set for Wagas at a coffee shop last Thursday.

Wagas received the marked money from Lim that led to his arrest.