Reynold Yaneza, an elderly resident, is facing a complaint after he was seen scratching the vehicle of a Filipino-American U.S. Marine and later caught on CCTV, even as he repeatedly shifted his statements during a confrontation with the family driver.
The Marine, who resides locally, has a 15-year-old son with autism. To ensure the boy’s safety, the family employs a driver who waits with the car every day in case of emergencies.
On the day of the incident, the driver personally saw Yaneza scraping the side of the car. When confronted, Yaneza at first denied the act, telling him: “Di ako nagasgas yan… baka imagination mo lang yan.”
When pressed further, Yaneza replied: “Aalis ako, kanina ka pa nakaharang d’yan, nagtatanong ako kung sino.” He also told the driver: “Layo mo d’yan, kasi ginagaya ka ng iba. Yung iba lumalayo pa, umiinom sa labas, lalo na tuwing hapon at gabi. Hindi puwede yung style niyo na ganyan.”
CCTV footage from a neighbor’s home was later obtained, which appeared to confirm the driver’s account by showing Yaneza dragging a key along the side of the vehicle.
Public records also show that Yaneza was previously dismissed from the judiciary. In a March 9, 1999 decision (A.M. No. MTJ-99-1175), the Supreme Court found him guilty of gross abuse of authority in irregularly approving bail bonds and issuing release orders. The High Court ordered his immediate dismissal and forfeiture of benefits. Residents now question whether his reported status as a lawyer should also be reviewed by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in light of the new vandalism complaint.
Community members further alleged that this was not the first time, saying Yaneza had previously been involved in similar cases of car vandalism in the area.
The Marine has since filed a blotter report with local authorities. The case is now under investigation.
