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Saturday, January 29, 2005
Senator sues environment chief for libel
MANILA -- Senator Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal filed a P100 million libel case Friday against Environment Secretary Michael Defensor as she challenged him to produce evidence that her family is into illegal logging and mining businesses.
Defensor shrugged Madrigal's move, saying he would face the senator's case in court.
"The libel case I am filing against Mr. Defensor is the only remedy provided by law to rectify the baseless accusations made against me and my family," Madrigal said.
Madrigal said if she wins, the damage payment would be used for the rehabilitation of Aurora and Quezon and the people who suffered from illegal logging activities.
"An untainted name and honor cannot be compensated by any amount. My family and I have exerted all efforts to ensure that our family's name, honor and reputation are not sacrificed or compromised. Let us now allow the wheels of justice take its course," she added.
Defensor welcomed the libel case filed against him by Madrigal.
"I will face this (case) in court, fair and square. I'm glad that she brought the matter in court and not in the media," Defensor told a brief press conference.
Defensor, on the other hand, expressed confidence he will be acquitted, as his intention was not to destroy anybody but to be active in the campaign against illegal logging and illegal mining.
He even jokingly said that he is getting the services of Senator Joker Arroyo or his law office.
The environment chief also asked Madrigal not to take the feud personally and added he was not filing a countercharge against the lady senator.
"I respect her as a senator. I think we should not elevate this on a personal level," Defensor added. (JPM)
(January 29, 2005 issue)
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