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	Priest Cleared of Sex Raps Draws Flak By Fernando M. Cariaso Journal Online October 6, 2007 http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-06&sec=1&aid=34081 The Crusade Against Violence described the resolution clearing a Cebu City priest of sex charges as "unfair," as the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office defended itself from the criticisms after clearing him of acts of lasciviousness, child abuse, and sexual harassment. The priest, Fr. Benedicto Ejares was accused by some 20 public high school students, seven of whom executed affidavits that served as basis for the complaint of sexually molesting them during a confession on Nov. 14. 2006. "So what happened to the testimonies of the children? Just because he is a priest they will not charge him? This will follow the case against Belciña where the victim just accepted payment. We respect the Catholic Church, but the church should also respect justice," CAV Visayas head Thelma Chiong said in a statement. Fr. Jose Belciña, former parish priest of Bgy. Maslog, Danao City, was accused of raping an 18-year-old girl. But a panel of prosecutors resolved to file only a case for child abuse because consensual sex happened between the two. The complainant was only 17 at the time of first incident. There were reports that Belciña paid the girl P300,000 to drop the case. City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon defended the court's decision, saying that his being a former seminarian did not influence the outcome of the complaint. "How can that influence me when I was a seminarian 35 years ago?. I do not even know him (Ejares)," Sellon said. Assistant Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane, for his part, said "the resolution was based on evidence and existing jurisprudence." Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal was "happy" over the decision of the City Prosecutor's Office. "I'm happy about the turnout of the case," Rosales said. The prelate revealed that the seven complainants, all minors, did not visit him regarding the case, which was filed last April. "They did not come to me. They did not ask what should be done," he said. The principal of Abellana National High School, meanwhile, said he will respect the decision of the prosecutor's office. "If the children demand a re-investigation of the case, it is up to their parents to decide. The school will still continue its measures to protect and secure the students," Ernest Jacel told police probers. He said that the seven female third year students who filed the complaint against Fr. Ejares have been required to regularly visit the school's guidance office for counseling. After what happened, Jacel said no Life in the Spirit seminars will be held "for now." Instead, they have Christian Living teachers who conduct catechism in school.
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