Alcover seeks dismissal of libel case against him

CEBU, Philippines - Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy Rep. Pastor Alcover Jr. asked the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office to dismiss the libel complaint filed by former Cebu Customs collector David Odilao Jr. against him, saying it has no factual and legal basis.

Alcover, who is the number one nominee of the partylist group, strongly denied the malicious accusations leveled against him by Odilao.

Odilao filed libel complaint against Alcover and a local newspaper (not The FREEMAN) based on the published report dated April 10, 2010 where Alcover lambasted him (Odilao) for allegedly receiving financial assistance from his political enemies and making false representations to the Comelec resulting in the publication of two sets of nominees.

But Alcover said the report is but in reply to the previous publication made by complainant on March 31, 2010 wherein he misled the public by claiming to be the number one nominee of the ANAD PARTYLIST and tried to discredit him (Alcover) by publicly declaring that he (Alcover) is worse than a communist and is practicing dictatorship within the organization.

According to Alcover, it is an unfair accusation that has put the image not just of him, but even of the entire membership of the ANAD PARTY LIST organization to shame, public ridicule, social humiliation, discredit, dishonor and contempt.

Alcover said he was compelled to reply as a matter of right to reply through the media, as it was through media that he (Odilao) attacked him.

Hence, Alcover said it is but fair and proper that the April 10, 2010 publication came out.

He said it is the social and legal duty of his constituents, to the members of ANAD partylist and to the general public, to let them be duly informed, as some people have already been poisoned in their minds due to the unfair, malicious, and unfounded allegations against him.

“Such compelling moral, social, and legal duty to explain to the people what is the truth behind all these brouhaha, and what is the real motive of complainant. Odilao in creating trouble withn the organization, and even the kind of a person Odilao is, must be made public inorder to be fair to each and everyone,” Alcover added.

The partylist congressman further said that he has the obligations and the responsibility to give all those necessary information so the people may know.   (BANATNEWS)