Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Piñol demands public apology from Gabi By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
NORTH Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol clarified he does not intend to impose a strong-arm tactic on Diosdado "Prince" Gabi and all he wants from the boxer is to issue a public apology for the dishonor done to him and his family.
In a radio interview over GMA Super Radyo Tuesday morning, Piñol indicated he might consider forgiving his former ward depending on the frankness of the apology.
"I don't intend to harass Gabi. I'm only after justice for my family. I don't need Gabi. We are not taking him back," Piñol said.
Piñol made the clarification to dispel the notion that he was after Gabi's money or that he want the boxer arrested because he wanted to get back at him now that Gabi has had some success in his boxing career.
Gabi, who is from Davao City, was one of the Filipino boxers who won their bouts to give the country a 5-1 victory over Mexico and bag the Boxing World Cup last Aug. 11 in Sacramento, California.
Piñol said he filed the case against Gabi way back in 2005 for violation of managerial contract. A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued by Judge Antonina Escovilla of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 2 to this effect.
Piñol, in his complaint, is asking for P4.8 million from Gabi whom, the politician claimed, duped him and reneged from their contract.
This actuation by Gabi, Piñol said, pained him and his family. "He wronged my family," he said.
The vice governor also clarified he never interfered into the affairs of the courts, adding he didn't even approach any police officer to compel him or her to implement the arrest warrant.
Piñol said he will only be relieved of the pain if Gabi issues a public apology, from which he will base his judgment whether to forgive the boxer or not.
"Let's see how sincere they are in asking for apology," Piñol said.
