Davao broadcaster acquitted of libel

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - A local journalist who reported about the alleged relationship of Speaker Prospero Nograles and a television host seven years ago was acquitted of libel on Wednesday. Judge Renato Fuentes of the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 17 handed the decision acquitting broadcaster Jun Digamon of two counts of libel filed by Jeanette Lomanta who was reportedly linked to Nograles. Fuentes said in his decision that Lomanta failed to present evidence enough “to prove the guilt of the defendant." The decision came seven years after news broke about the alleged relationship of Nograles with Lomanta. Lomanta and Nograles filed separate libel charges against Digamon and several media practitioners. The charges against the other journalists were withdrawn after they apologized. Digamon refused to admit any mistake in his report. Another broadcaster, Alexander Adonis, remains in jail even after his request for parole in 2007 was approved and after he posted bail for another libel charge. “The seven years was traumatic for all of us, particularly my family, but it also strengthened my resolve to tell the truth all the more," Digamon said after learning of the court decision. Nograles dropped the case against Digamon last June. “He wants to be seen as the good boy in this battle," said Digamon even as he called on Nograles to also free Adonis who is detained at the Davao Prisons and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte. - GMANews.TV