Pac-man files P75-M libel suit against GenSan journo

The legal team of Sarangani congressman and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has filed a P75-M libel case against freelance writer Edwin Espejo over an article alleging that a dealer of stolen cars was last seen inside Pacquiao's mansion.   The Philippine News Agency reported that charges were brought before the City Prosecution Office in General Santos City late Monday afternoon.   Espejo, who writes for the website Asian Correspondent and contributes to MindaNews, a Davao-based news service, cited reports that Mohammad "Bong" Akia or Aquia was seen with Pacquaio on a flight from Manila to General Santos City, and that the two departed in the same car for Pacquiao's mansion. Akia/Aquia has not been seen since.   Akia/Aquia, former head of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group in Central Mindanao, had previously been charged with violation of the Anti-Carnapping Act.   The pieces were published under the headlines "Stolen car dealer finds refuge in Pacman mansion" on the Asian Correspondent site, and "Dealer of stolen cars last seen in Pacman mansion" on MindaNews.   Espejo, chairperson of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines, South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City chapter, has not received a copy of the complaint yet, but said that he is standing by his story. - AMD/OMG, GMA News