Fiscal awaits reply of 2 newsmen in libel

PROSECUTOR Neopito Magno of the Island Garden City of Samal Prosecution Office said he is expecting two local newsmen sued by House Speaker Prospero Nograles for libel to submit their counter-affidavits this week.

"We have sent the subpoena to the respondents through mail last March 23 to answer the complaint. And as of now, we are awaiting for their submission," Magno told Sun.Star Davao.

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Magno, in an earlier interview, said that upon receipt of the subpoena, the respondents Roger Balanza and Edgar Velez, of weekly tabloid Durian Post, will be given 10 days to answer the charges.

He said should Nograles wish to reply on the counter-affidavit, he will also be giving the same number of days before the case will be submitted for resolution.

Regional State Prosecutor Antonio Arellano designated Magno to conduct the preliminary investigation after Davao City Chief Prosecutor Raul Bendigo earlier inhibited from the case.

Nograles is Bendigo's brother-in-law.

The respondents were earlier charged with libel for allegedly maligning Nograles' reputation.

Nograles, in his affidavit, cites February 15-21 and February 22-28 issues where he claimed Balanza destroyed his reputation.

He said the respondent identified him as a candidate for mayoralty race who engages in vote-buying to win in the local election.

He added that there were other articles in the issues of Durian Post written mostly by Balanza that discredit, defame, dishonor, and destroy his reputation.

Contrary to established practices of journalism, he said there was no effort on the part of respondents to get his side on all stories.

Balanza, meanwhile, said he will face the charges, saying it is just part of his job.

He earlier said that he was just doing his job to give information on political issues to the public to guide them in making the right choice this coming election.

Balanza said it was just straight reporting and done without malice.