Saavedra files P1M libel suit vs. four employees, radioman

CEBU - Businessman Crisologo Saavedra yesterday filed a P1 million libel suit against four of his employees and radioman Ruphel Bañoc for allegedly issuing harsh comments against him at Bañoc’s program over dyHP.

Also named respondents are Elvero Quieta, Jocelyn Mabanto, Hilda Abalde and Iron Pono.

The complaint is anchored on Bañoc’s program, which was aired last October 27 and 28 wherein he interviewed Saavedra’s four employees who allegedly accused Saavedra of not paying them with their salary for several months.

Saavedra said Bañoc reportedly called him a thief during the interview.

“Kada adlaw nga kinawatay, kawatan nga si Saavedra. Purbida bisan asa ta mag-atubang do kawatan kang dako,” Bañoc was quoted as saying.

Saavedra said it was his secretary who recorded the interview.

“They maliciously imputed, tends to denigrate, humiliate, discredit and subject me to public ridicule, thereto destroying my credibility as a whistleblower to the CICC issue and as a competent businessman,” Saavedra said.

Saavedra said a case is now pending before the Department of Labor and Employment, which also involves the four employees, thus, they should have elevated their concerns to the proper forum.

Saavedra is the whistleblower of alleged anomalous transactions during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, including the overpriced decorative lampposts and the construction of the Cebu International Convention Center. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO (THE FREEMAN)