A second libel complaint was filed against a radio blocktimer in Pampanga, Philippines after a local mayor was angered by a discussion on graft and corruption in his city.
(CMFR/IFEX) – A mayor in Pampanga province filed a libel complaint against a radio blocktimer last 21 February 2013. It was the second libel complaint filed by the mayor against broadcaster Medardo “Med” David in 2013.
Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan sued David for his October to November 2012 commentaries on alleged graft and corruption issues in his radio program Golpe de Gulat. Golpe de Gulat is aired over GV99.1 FM and 792 AM four times a week.
Angeles City, Pampanga is approximately 73 kilometers north of Manila.
Pamintuan’s son and lawyer Alberto Pamintuan III said in a press release that “We have been constrained to file another libel case, and we shall be filing more cases, as Mr. David, and some other cohorts, have been relentless in maligning the mayor over the same radio program.” The press release was issued by the mayor’s political party, Team Agyu Tamu (We Can Do It).
In a phone interview last 6 March 2013, David said that the mayor got irked over his discussion of graft and corruption in the City. David received a copy of the second complaint last 5 March.
One of David’s commentaries cited in the complaint was on the relocation of a cemetery in Sto. Cristo village, the press release said. David alleged that the relocation was due to treasure- hunting activities, not for public safety.
The press release quoted David as saying on air that “[Pamintuan] is a liar. That person is a liar. What notice are you talking about? Damn you!”
Last 14 January 2013, Mayor Pamintuan filed a libel complaint against David and his co-anchors Fred Cortez and Rey Gueco. The case is still pending before the Office of the City Prosecutor. David told CMFR that the handling prosecutor has yet to resolve his motion asking the Angeles prosecutors to inhibit themselves from investigating the mayor’s libel complaint.
