New prosecutors for libel charge vs Vidal

CEBU, Philippines - Two new prosecutors were assigned to handle the libel suit filed by ex-monk Venancio Cabillon against Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

Provincial prosecution chief Pepita Jane Petralba called for a meeting with her prosecutors yesterday to decide who should handle the case following the inhibition of Assistant Prosecutor Luis Calderon III.

It was decided that prosecutors Jerome Abarca and Ma. Luisa Ong take over.

“Abarca and Ong were the ones who we have chosen, we did not have it raffled anymore,” Petralba said.

Calderon earlier backed out, saying, “As a Catholic, I have inclinations to the holiness of Cardinal Vidal. I have biases in favor of the cardinal. I’m doing this as a faithful follower of the church.”

Aside from Calderon, three other prosecutors- Ryan Gingoyon, Rustom Presas Jr. and Napoleon Alburo - also voluntarily inhibited from handling the case. Gingoyon pulled out because he has formerly worked at the Patria de Cebu.

Three more prosecutors begged off because they are handling many cases that require them to be out of town.

Cabillon sued Vidal and three local church officials for libel for allegedly maligning him by publishing a notice about his separation in the Bag-ong Lungsoranon, the Cebu Archdiocese’s official publication.

Also named as respondents were Abelio Mangila also known as Frater Martin Mary, MMEA, superior of the Monastery of the Marian Shrine in Upper Lindogon, Sibonga; Rev. Fr. Marnell Mejia, editor-in-chief of Bag-ong Lungsoranon; and Msgr. Cristobal Garcia, director and business manager of Bag-ong Lungsoranon.

He sought compensatory and consequential damages for what he described as the “shame and injustice” he suffered because of the “malicious” notice of disconnection published on the said church’s newsletter on August 9.

Cabillon also demanded an apology from the respondents for the notice published in the Bag-ong Lungsoranon on Aug. 9.

The public notice said Cabillon, known as Frater Paul Mary, was no longer connected to the MMEA and was not authorized to solicit funds in the name of the group.

It also said he had broken vows of chastity and obedience, and was a “trafficker” of members of the group, where he was a formator. — Jasmin R. Uy/JMO  (FREEMAN NEWS)