SC affirms libel conviction of broadcaster Erwin Tulfo

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the libel conviction of television host and hard-hitting tabloid columnist Erwin Tulfo in connection with a series of articles he wrote in 1999 regarding an allegedly corrupt Customs official. In a 31-page decision, the Supreme Court’s Second Division junked the petitions filed by Tulfo and the editors and publisher of Remate asking for the reversal of the conviction meted by the Pasay regional trial court. The ruling of the local court had been earlier upheld by the Court of Appeals. Also convicted of four counts of libel were Susan Cambri, Rey Salao, Jocelyn Barlizo and Philip Pichay. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by lawyer Carlo "Ding" So of the Customs’ Intelligence Unit whom Tulfo accused of massive corruption and extortion activities in screening incoming shipments at the South Harbor. So said Tulfo’s articles had tarnished his reputation and caused him dishonor and contempt among his peers and fellow members of Iglesia ni Cristo. The Pasay court on November 17, 2000 found Tulfo and his editors guilty of libel and sentenced them to a prison term of "prison correctional in its minimum and medium periods" or two years, four months and one day to four years and two months. The high court ruling, meanwhile, modified the trial court's sentence to just a fine of P6,000 for each count of libel from each respondent, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency. The award of actual damages and exemplary damages was deleted. The ruling was penned by Associate Justice Presbiterio Velasco Jr and was concurred by Associate Justices Conchita Carpio-Morales, Antonio Eduardo Nachura and Arturo Brion. - GMANews.TV