Paul Alvarez pleads not guilty to physical abuse raps

Former professional basketball player Paul Alvarez not only pleaded "not guilty" to charges of physical injuries filed against him before a Mandaluyong court, but threatened to lodge a countersuit against his accusers as well. Radio station dzBB reported Wednesday that Alvarez denied allegations leveled against him by taxi driver Wilfredo Cabanlit and television reporter Gretchen Malalad. The case is pending before the sala of Judge Ofelia Calo of the Mandaluyong City metropolitan trial court-Branch 59. However, Alvarez and his lawyers said they plan to file counter-charges against Malalad and Cabanlit. Alvarez also hinted at counter-charges as well against Mandaluyong City police, whom he claimed hurt him while being taken to the police station. The former basketball player, known during his heyday as "Mr Excitement," was arrested and charged last week after allegedly mauling Cabanlit, whom he thought gave him the scenic route just to jack up the taxi fare. He then allegedly attacked Malalad at the Mandaluyong City police station when she tried to interview Cabanlit. Malalad fought back. For her part, Judge Calo asked media outfits not to air the proceedings in court live to prevent trial by publicity. In an earlier interview, Alvarez said Cabanlit forced him to get out of the taxi when they reached Mandaluyong City and demanded that he pay P400. "He told me to get off the taxi at a dark area. He ordered me to pay P400 and find another taxi," Alvarez said in Filipino on GMA Network's Showbiz Central. He posted a P4,500-bail after Judge Lizabeth Torres of the Metropolitan trial court-Branch 60 approved his bail petition. Alvarez was charged with two counts of libel and slapped a P2,000 fee for each. He was fined an additional P500 bond fee. - GMANews.TV