For calling Rama a drug protector: Businessman indicted for libel

CEBU, Philippines – Businessman James Philip Tionko was indicted for libel after calling Mayor Michael Rama a "drug protector" at the height of the campaign in the last May 10 elections.

The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to elevate Rama's complaint to the Regional Trial Court.

"Malice as motive on the part of the respondent was readily shown when he made efforts to call for a press conference with the media and in the said press conference declared complainant as public enemy and drug lord protector," assistant city prosecutor Alex Gabud said in a resolution.

Gabud said there was no evidence presented by the accused to prove that Rama was protecting a drug lord.

Tionko, in a phone interview with The FREEMAN, cried injustice of the prosecutor's findings. According to Tionko, it is unfair for him to be charged of the crime while the source of the said information was spared.

Tionko said it was Congressman Tomas Osmeña who first alleged about Rama protecting a drug lord.

"Igo ra ko nisulti sa gisulti ni Osmeña unya nasakitan siya unya ang source wala?" Tionko asked.

Tionko said they will file a motion for reconsideration on Gabud's resolution.

Tionko, who was then a candidate for councilor, called a press conference during the height of election 2010 campaign where then vice mayor Rama was also a candidate for mayor.

During the press conference Tionko accused Rama of being "public enemy number one" for allegedly protecting a convicted drug pusher.

Tionko alleged that Rama was protecting the alleged illegal drug trade of the late Cresistomo Llaguno alias Tata Negro who was then also a candidate for councilor.

Llaguno was gunned down few days before the elections while he was on the campaign trail in Barangay Lorega San Miguel.

Tionko's accusations prompted Rama to file a complaint before the prosecutor's office for allegedly causing dishonor, discredit and contempt upon his reputation damaging his chances then as a candidate. (FREEMAN)