Libel suit filed by ex-monk: Cardinal, others ask for ten-day extension

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and three other church officials asked the two prosecutors handling the libel charges against them for an extension in their submission of counter-affidavits saying that they have just received their subpoena last Friday.

Vidal and the others, in their motion for extension said that they need some time to prepare all their papers and defense on the charges.

Asst. Provincial Prosecutor Gerome Abarca, one of two prosecutors handling the case, said subpoenas were issued last week to the archbishop and three priests amid the preliminary investigation into the case filed by former monk Venancio Cabillon.

The respondents have asked for another 10 days to submit a written answer to the allegations thrown at them.

Prosecutors Abarca and Maria Luisa Ong were assigned to handle Vidal’s case after others declined due to “workload” or “personal reasons.”

Should the respondents fail to submit their counter-affidavits on the deadline, the prosecutors would have to resolve the case based on the evidence submitted to their office.

Cabillon, a former member of the Marian Monks of the Eucharistic Adoration (MMEA), filed a libel suit against Cardinal Vidal and three local church officials for allegedly maligning him in a notice published at 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.

Cabillon requested for compensatory and consequential damages for the “shame and injustice” he suffered because of the “malicious” notice of disconnection published on the church’s newsletter on August 9.

He demanded an apology from the respondents, who allegedly issued a notice published in the Bag-ong Lungsoranon, the official newsletter of the archdiocese, 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 Uy/NLQ