Ex-broadcaster sorry for remarks vs. Ouanos

CEBU, Philippines - A former radio broadcaster yesterday admitted that all the accusations he hurled against the Ouano family in 2006 were fabricated and have no basis at all.

“Dili kadto tinuod ug kadtong tanan tumo-tumo lang, walay basihanan ug walay kamatuoran,” said Joash Dignos in his public apology yesterday.

He is facing seven counts of libel filed against him by former Mandaue City Sports Commission chairwoman Cheryl Ouano.

Dignos, a former broadcaster of dyHP, was charged with libel last July 26, 2006 for his radio commentaries aired on July 13, 14, and 17 accusing Cheryl of having a sexual relationship with her father-in-law, former Mayor Thadeo Ouano, coining the whole controversy as “jerjer”.

Cheryl is the wife of Provincial Board member Alfie Ouano, the son of the former mayor.

The emotional Dignos admitted that he broadcast those statements in order to have a name in Cebu’s broadcasting industry and to get the attention of the mayor who was allegedly ignoring his attempts at getting an interview over some issues.

He said it was his wife and children, who kept on telling him to ask for forgiveness.

Dignos also said that no politician paid him in order to attack the former mayor.

He also said that he made several attempts to ask for forgiveness from the Ouanos but he was scared.

“Dugay na unta gyud ko mangayo og pasaylo sa pamilya ni mayor ug ingon man kang Cheryl pero maunhan ko pirme sa akong kahadlok,” said Dignos, who is also facing ten libel charges in his hometown in Cagayan de Oro.

“Wa nako damha nga akong broadcast sa programang Birada sa dyHP nakahimo og dili makatarunganong pasangil nga si Mayor Teddy ug ang iyang umagad nga si Cheryl adunay tinaguang relasyon,” the teary-eyed Dignos said.

In a separate interview, Cheryl said yesterday that with the latter’s public apology, she has already forgiven the man and is relieved and feeling vindicated that the truth finally came out.

“Dili sad gyud lalim ang iyang gibuhat uy. Pero dugay na man to. Gipasaylo na nako siya,” she said.

After the press conference, Dignos went to barangay Canduman where the former mayor, who is now running for Provincial Board member in the sixth district, was meeting with his leaders.

The two shook hands after Dignos personally asked for forgiveness.

“Tinuod, sakit kaayo to ang imong gibuhat but tawo ra man ta nga makasala sad,” the former mayor said.

Ruphil Bañoc, station manager of dyHP said that even if Dignos is no longer their employee, still they are supporting him in his legal battles. Dignos resigned from DyHP in December 1, 2006 so the station will not be included in the lawsuit.

Lawyer Gloria Dalawampu, Cheryl’s legal counsel said that it does not make Dignos less than a man to admit his mistakes and congratulates him for his courage.

Dalawampu said that with Dignos’ public apology, her client will work for the withdrawal of the case and its eventual dismissal. — THE FREEMAN