Two journalists arrested for libel

Two local editors of a defunct weekly newspaper were arrested recently on charges of libel in Butuan City, around 790 kilometers south of Manila.

Kristina Cassion, 28, and Franklin Caliguid, 26, editor in chief and news editor of the Caraga Newswatch, respectively, were arrested by the local police while in a press conference at a restaurant in the said city last 02 February.

However, the arresting officers, led by Danilo Palen, later clarified to local newsmen that the serving of the arrest warrants on the two journalists were “mere ceremonial” since they had posted bail the day before.

Former Butuan City mayor Leonides Daisy Plaza filed the libel suit, following the publication of a letter-to-the-editor in 2001. the letter accused Plaza of having received Php8 million (or US$154,484) from ADphil, a local construction firm owned by Jose Gorme. The letter cited that the bribe was to ensure the bagging of the construction road project connecting Bonbon to Nongnong Road in Butuan City. Plaza also reportedly used the amount for a trip to China.

The source of the letter, a certain Mario Alviso, was said to be an insider from the Gorme camp who had direct knowledge of the alleged bribery. He sent four letters regarding the alleged anomalous bidding.

As the editor-in-chief, Cassion said she chose to publish the letter “on the grounds that it was meritorious”.

According to Caliguid, the charge sheet eventually dropped the publisher Cristina P. Asis of the now defunct weekly Caraga Newswatch after reportedly apologizing to Plaza. Caraga Newswatch closed down in 2002 after experiencing harassment says Caliguid. “We couldn’t obtain business permits as these had to be approved by the local government.”

Caliguid questioned his inclusion in the libel charges since the paper did not print any news story on the said faulty bidding. Caliguid is set to file a motion for reconsideration.

Court assets tipped off the two as early as last 30 January of the pending arrests prompting them to go into hiding initially, in order to raise the needed funds for their bail. On the eve of their staged “arrest,” they were able to raise Php11,000 (or US$218) each, enough to go public, hold a press conference, and call attention on their arrest.

Cassion said another other media outfit, a local Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) radio station, is currently facing libel charges filed by the incumbent mayor Democrito “Boy Daku” Plaza II, husband of Daisy Plaza. Cassino said RMN is also critical of the mayor. ###

Comments are closed.