Journalists post bail for libel charges filed by Arroyo spouse

CMFR/Philippines—Journalists Ramon, Erwin, and Raffy Tulfo posted a P10, 000 (US$200) bail bond each at the Quezon City Regional Trial court branch 83 after a judge issued warrants for their arrest last 26 January 2007.  Libel is a criminal offense in the Philippines.

The three journalists are brothers. Raffy and Erwin are in broadcasting, while Ramon is primarily a print columnist. All three had a TV program over a government- sequestered station. The program was cancelled in August last year.

Raffy and Ramon posted bail on 29 January 2007, while Erwin did so on 26 January 2007.

Arrest warrants were issued by Judge Ralph Lee on 26 January 2007 after the case was raffled to his court and the Quezon City prosecutor’s office recommended the filing of charges on the same day.  Quezon City is part of Metro Manila, the national capital region of the Philippines.

Arroyo’s husband Jose Miguel filed the libel complaint after the Tulfo brothers accused him in a press conference on 2 August 2006 of having a hand in the cancellation of their program “Isumbong Mo (Report it), Tulfo Brothers” over RPN 9, one of two  government- sequestered stations in the Philippines.

The brothers said in the press conference that Arroyo had the program cancelled because of  their exposés on the alleged smuggling activities Vicky Toh, and her brother, Tomas Toh, who are alleged to have links with Arroyo.

“I don’t like to be lenient anymore because what they’re doing is damaging,” Arroyo said when he filed charges against the Tulfos.

Assistant City Prosecutor Prosecutor Juan Rodulfo recommended the filing of charges after finding “probable cause” in Arroyo’s complaint.

“The statements made in that pres conference cannot be considered as privileged, hence, impelled only by  criminal intent in publishing it, the three respondents can be properly [charged] with the crime of libel,” Rodulfo said in a seven-page resolution.

Ramon Tulfo, who just arrived from Thailand last Friday afternoon, however said that nothing they said in the press conference was libelous.

“This is just harassment. He is using his power to deter and intimidate us in our work as journalists,” Ramon said, referring to Arroyo.

The Tulfos will be arraigned on 28 February 2007 at 8:30 a.m.

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