Radioman convicted of libel

Even as the Cebu media industry celebrates press freedom this week, a broadcaster was convicted of libel and sentenced to six months in jail yesterday.

Eliseo "Eli" Carungay, for the fourth time, was found guilty of libel because of his malicious comments against lawyer Alfonso de la Cerna, eight years ago.

In a six-page decision, Regional Trial Court judge Ramon Codilla Jr. of Branch 19 ruled that Carungay clearly committed libel when he accused De la Cerna in his radio program over Bombo Radyo last September 8, 1998 of being a thief and a swindler.

"There is a clear imputation that the private complainant committed the crime of theft and swindling," Codilla said.

The court noted that the imputation was made not only once but several times that there is no need to present further proof of malice. Codilla said the honor and reputation of a person is priceless, and not anybody can just transgress this.

"Media practitioners, especially broadcasters should be aware that they are guided by strict ethics. Press freedom is not absolute. There are certain boundaries," Codilla said.

On top of the six months imprisonment, the court also ordered Carungay to pay a P1,000 fine.

Carungay was earlier convicted thrice of the same charge, but for different counts also filed by De la Cerna before RTC Branches 8, 13 and 17 where he was meted four months to six months in jail. These cases are now pending appeal.

Aside from libel, he was also convicted of wiretapping and was sentenced to six years imprisonment, which is also on appeal. De la Cerna also filed the case.

Carungay's legal problems stemmed from his commentaries when he was yet in Bombo Radyo. He repeatedly attacked De la Cerna for allegedly stealing the people's money, De la Cerna was the lawyer of former vice governor Fernando Celeste at the time.

Carungay has offered to make a public apology but the complainant decided to pursue the case.

On top of the four libel charges that have already been decided by the court, there are nine other libel charges that are still pending in court. - Fred P. Languido/BRP