SC justice files P1-M libel suit vs online editor

A Supreme Court justice has filed a P1-million libel suit against an online editor for allegedly portraying him as an “unethical person without delicadeza." In his 10-page complaint, SC Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco said Marites Danguilan-Vitug violated the Journalists’ Code of Ethics for allegedly indulging in a “vicious smear campaign" against him through a serialized article called “SC justice in Partisan Politics." The article, which came out on the Web site abscbnnews.com/newsbreak for 13 consecutive days, alleged that Velasco tried to wield his influence over several local officials in Marinduque province to support the congressional bid of his son, Lord Allan. “Ms. Vitug publicly accused me in her article and portrayed me as an unethical person without delicadeza who has wantonly violated the Code of Judicial Conduct and existing laws. Said malicious imputations were plainly directed at me and had caused me, my wife and children, especially Allan, irreparable dishonor, discredit and contempt," Velasco said in his complaint, which was filed Friday with the Office of the City Prosecutor in Manila. Lord Allan is running against Edmudo Reyes Jr., scion of a political family, for the lone congressional seat in Marinduque in the May 10 elections. Unfazed Vitug, a veteran journalist and editor-in-chief of Newsbreak, was unfazed by the libel complaint, saying Velasco was probably just out to intimidate her. She also said she is standing by her story. “I haven’t read the complaint. This may be related to the book, as it comes on the eve of the launch (Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court). He may want to intimidate me or discredit me. The story speaks for itself. It’s based on facts," she said in a text message. Vitug claimed in her article that some residents in Marinduque had said that Velasco is actively helping his son in organizing his ticket by inviting local officials to run with his son as councilors with a promise to fund their campaign expenses. A barangay captain identified as Marife Pastrana was quoted in the article as saying that Velasco called her up to offer her to run for councilor with his son and to attend a meeting in his residence. “I couldn’t attend the meeting and I declined his offer. He said I shouldn’t worry about campaign expenses, and that he’ll take care of the funds," Pastrana was quoted as saying. “Absolute falsehood" But Velasco said the article was not presented fairly and honestly and accused Vitug of failing to “set aside personal motives and interests in performing her duties as journalist." He alleged that Vitug has allowed herself to be used by his son’s political rival to disparage him. “It may thus be safely deduced that Edmund Reyes, Jr., engaged the services of Ms. Vitug purposely to write derogatory matters against me," Velasco said, noting that it was Reyes who referred Pastrana to Vitug. Velasco denied Pastrana’s claim that he solicited her support for Allan since he is aware that such solicitation “constitutes a prohibited partisan political activity." “This is a lie, an absolute falsehood. I have never invited Ms. Pastrana to any meeting, let alone a political one, as I make it a point not to involve myself in any activity which may be perceived, even remotely, as political to promote the candidacy of a son, relative or friend," he said. - KBK, GMANews.TV