Radio station manager pleads not guilty to libel

Aksyon Radyo station manager Carlo Dugaduga yesterday pleaded not guilty to the libel charges filed against him by Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

In yesterday’s arraignment of his case before Regional Trial Court Branch 5 judge Douglas Marigomen, the broadcaster -- assisted by his counsel Santiago Ortiz Jr.-- said he is ready to prove his innocence.

Sanchez filed a P10-million libel suit against Gilbert Wagas, who runs the noontime block-time program “Wagas ug Gawasnon” over dyXR Aksyon Radyo, for attacking the products of Lacto Bacillus Pafi Techno Resources Corp., which the vice governor owns.  Wagas had already pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Dugaduga was also indicted in that case being the radio station manager, he is presently out on bail. 

Radio broadcasters in Cebu have denounced the filing of the case against their fellow radioman and described it as an oppression of press freedom. 

It was agreed that the pre-trial conference of the case will be conducted on the morning of April 24, where both parties will agree on issues to be discussed during the trial, including the number of witnesses to be presented.  – Rene U. Borromeo/BRP