Lawmaker’s wife accuses husband of concubinage

By BEN SERRANO
Correspondent

CABADBARAN, Agusan del Norte–The wife of Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Erlpe John Amante has filed a complaint for concubinage and violence against women against the congressman.

Judy Chin Amante filed her complaint at the City Prosecutor’s Office here on Wednesday.

In her affidavit, she identified Rep. Amante’s alleged mistress as Katrina Marie O. Mortola, a former banker.

In a news conference, Mrs. Amante, her sister-in-law Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rossdell Matba, and lawyer Homer Mabale presented witnesses’ affidavits and photos of the congressman and Mortola together.

The witnesses include Matfe Rosal who used to serve the congressman as a househelp, and Inez Rosario Antipuesto-Amante, the lawmaker’s 23-year old lovechild with a Cebuana.

“I know for a fact that they are cohabiting in our farmhouse since I’ve lived there and know for a fact that they are treating each other as man and wife. Their open illicit relationship and cohabitation displayed for all to see are undeniably clear,” stated Inez Rosario in her affidavit.

Mrs. Amante, 36, said she married the 50-year old congressman in Butuan City in 2001. She accused her husband of being a womanizer with gambling habits.

She alleged that Mortola, a former bank manager, and her husband started living together in 2012, and that she decided to assert her legal right now because their children were already affected and prodded her to do something about it.

Her lawyer Homer Mabale said, “No one is above the law, not even a congressman. This is a reminder… that  voters must choose righteous leaders to rule them. A political leader is not only a government leader but must also be a role model in the society…”

Rep. Amante’s younger sister Gov. Matba said she would stand behind her sister-in-law for the sake of her nephew and niece, and because she understands her pain, sufferings, and emotional and psychological stress.