By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO (jGLi) – It was a “small talk” with a lady whom this Filipino would have regretted having started.

According the Chicago Sun Times, Guillermo G. Balingit, Jr., a grocery truck driver, “made a small talk with a 21-year-old woman,” telling her that “she looked tired and that he knew a technique to help her” get over with her fatigue.

When the lady agreed to let, Mr. Balingit, an employee of Peapod delivery service, in her living room to demonstrate his technique, Balingit went thru the motions to “massage her back and shoulders as she lay on her stomach.”

When Balingit, 36, told her to turn around and to remove her shirt, the lady said “no.”

According to Sher Bennet, Cook County assistant state attorney, as the victim “felt trapped” and kept telling Balingit ‘no’,” Balingit took off her clothes, grabbed her breasts, kissed and raped her.”

“ACT OF LASCIVIOUSNESS”

A check with Cook County court records by this reporter showed that Balingit was initially arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery, an unwanted touching or sex act or loosely equivalent to act of lasciviousness in the Philippine court system, for the incident that took place at Chicago’s downtown called South Loop at 1100 block of South Michigan last Oct. 26.

Balingit was issued by the court a $10,000 “ibond,” an amount he owes the court if he does not show up during a court-ordered appearance but he posts nothing while he enjoys his freedom.

In fact, the state attorney’s office dropped the misdemeanor case last Nov. 1 after dismissing initially the woman’s claim, according to Balingit’s lawyer, David O’Connor.

But last Nov. 21, according to court records, the state attorney’s office filed criminal sexual assault (rape) charges against Balingit, a resident of 6000 block of West Byron in Chicago’s north side, married and father of three.

Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil also issued an arrest warrant for Balangit and recommended a $10,000 “dbond” or detainer bond, which required him to post 10% of the total amount.

PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDER

B alingit, a native of the Philippines, was also ordered to turn in his Philippine passport. A holder of a Philippine passport could be a dual U.S.-Philippine citizen or an immigrant. If he is an immigrant and he could not afford a private lawyer, he can turn to the Philippine Consulate for assistance, which is provided for under the Geneva Convention.

A misdemeanor sex crime conviction may receive less than a year of jail time, a fine, community service, counseling or probation. A felony (sexual assault), on the other hand, may be punished by a lengthy prison term (up to a life sentence). Additionally, released sex felons must register as sex offenders and multiple convictions often lead to greater punishments.

If Balingit is an immigrant, he runs the risk of being deported after serving out his sentence if he is convicted of committing a felony of sexual assault or rape.

When reached for comment, Midwest Philippine Consul Gen. Leo M. Herrera-Lim said he had no information if Balingit sought the Consulate’s assistance. 

Balingit's Peapod employer could not be reached for comment.. # # #

Editor’s Note: To contact the author, please e-mail him at: (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)