Richard Gutierrez files P25-M libel suit vs PEP

(Updated 9:03 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – Richard Gutierrez on Monday filed a libel case against entertainment Web site Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) for allegedly implicating him in a brawl with a fellow actor last month. Gutierrez, who filed the case before the Makati Prosecutors Office, is seeking P25 million in damages from PEP - P15 million in moral damages and P10 million in exemplary damages. "We just want to get to the bottom of this and we want to find out the truth kung sino'ng tao ang nasa likod nito [who were the people behind this]," said Gutierrez in an interview aired over GMA News' "24 Oras." Among those named as respondents in the complaint were PEP editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon, managing editor Karen Pagsolingan, and staff writer Ferdinand Godinez. The complaint stemmed from a March 29 article posted on PEP alleging that Gutierrez had figured in a scuffle with Michael Flores during the birthday party of Mark Reyes, director of GMA’s prime time soap “Zorro," in which Gutierrez is the lead star. The article alleged that Gutierrez brandished a gun during the incident, which reportedly happened at the Oceana Restaurant last March 28. Both Gutierrez and Flores denied the report. In his complaint, Richard expressed fears that the write-up could put his future projects on the line. He said he feels that his credibility and image have been affected by the PEP article. Accompanying the Zorro star in filing the complaint were his legal counsel, Angelica Santiago, parents Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, sister Ruffa, and Bubbles Paraiso, who stood as his witness. "I have my whole family behind me and my fans are supporting me. I want to thank them. We're very serious with the case and we're going to push through with it," Gutierrez said. In his report on “24 Oras," Lhar Santiago said he tried contacting Maglipon, but the PEP editor in chief said they would withhold comment until after they were able to read Gutierrez’s affidavit. - with Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV