RP congressman gets 173 years

RP congressman gets 173 years

MANILA (Reuters): A Philippine trial court sentenced yesterday congressman Romeo Jalosjos up to 173 years in jail for raping a minor in one of the country's most celebrated sex cases in years.

"The prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused Romeo Jalosjos Garcia as principal in the two counts of statutory rape ... (who) is hereby declared convicted," the verdict, read by a clerk to the packed courtroom, said.

"Accordingly, he is sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetuity in each of these two (offenses)," according to the verdict, broadcast live on national radio and television. Under Philippine law, reclusion perpetuity is 20 years to 40 years in jail.

The court also sentenced him to a maximum of 93 years in prison on six counts of lasciviousness with the then 11-year-old girl, who is now in state care.