Thursday, October 23, 2008 Broadcaster acquitted in libel raps By Rhodamae M. Hernandez
THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) acquitted a radio broadcaster accused of maligning a former TV personality in July 2001.
RTC Branch 17 Judge Renato A. Fuentes cleared Jun Digamon, saying the latter was just exercising his right of the press to inform the public of important issues.
The libel case was filed in relation to the Burlesk King scandal in 2001 where complainant Jeanette Lomanta-Leuterio was alleged to have been caught with First District Representative Prospero C. Nograles in a hotel room by Leuterio's husband, a police officer.
Presented by the prosecution was Grace Ang Quiñola, Leuterio's personal assistant who testified that she heard Digamon's program at Bombo Radyo around 7 a.m. of July 28, 2001 while at her employer's house.
Leuterio, who was also presented at the witness stand, related how Digamon pounded on the alleged incident that caused her shame.
Leuterio demanded P5 million in exemplary damages.
In dismissing the case, Judge Fuentes said that after deliberating on the case and the alleged libelous statements uttered by the accused, this "cannot per se fall into such a malicious imputation or libelous statement, as defined and interpreted by the prosecution."
Fuentes said "it was his duty and responsibility as a member of the media to inform the public of the latest events circulated in Metro Manila of a priority concern of the people of Davao City, covering their high government official, as would appear an interesting subject, a hotly discussed topic with insinuation of mockery and wholesome picnics of gossips among interested and malicious audience of kibitzers, who appears happy and more than willing to add intensity to the already burning issues."
Fuentes also ordered that the cash bond posted by the accused be cancelled and returned to the accused.
