MANILA, Philippines - Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno and the 5 councilors who were arrested last Saturday for alleged illegal gambling have filed counter-charges against police Inspector Eduardo Morata and 30 other people.

Administrative charges of grave misconduct and abuse of authority were filed before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Makati while criminal charges including robbery, grave coercion, perjury, unlawful arrest, arbitrary detention and incriminating an innocent person were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.

According to Moreno, their rights were violated when police allegedly produced pieces of evidence that were not present during the bingo event.

He also lashed out at Morata for his allegedly inconsistencies, such as his claim that former President Joseph Estrada repeatedly hit and bullied him during the inquest proceedings.

Moreno said they have not filed cases against other police officials or Mayor Alfredo Lim because they are still looking for more evidence.

He also claimed that the other police officers took off their name plates during the scuffle.

Moreno added that they may file cases against other people soon.

The Napolcom, which will hear the administrative case, said Morata has 5 days to respond to the complaint.

If proven guilty, grave misconduct and abuse of authority are punishable by either dismissal or demotion in rank.