Second round of mediation for Lastimosa-Garcia row

CEBU, Philippines - Broadcaster and newspaper columnist Leo Lastimosa believes that the libel suit filed against him by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia can be settled soon if “understanding and respect” will be considered.

During yesterday’s mediation proceeding at the Palace of Justice, Lastimosa reiterated that his commentaries on the governor, either in his column in The Freeman or over his radio program, have all been based on facts.

Garcia was represented by lawyer Lito Astillero, provincial government consultant on discipline and decorum and chairman of the Committee on Discipline and Investigation (CODI). Lastimosa’s counsel, Celso Espinosa, was also present in the proceedings.

Astillero said Garcia is always open for Lastimosa’s questions on issues the latter discusses in his radio program, provided that she is given ample chance to defend herself.

Latimosa assured that his radio program and his newspaper column are always open to the governor.

“This is not a one way street. Di lang ako’ng obligasyon pagkuha sa iyang side, iya’ng obligasyon pag padayag sa iya’ng bahin. Kun maka komentaryo ko against niya, naa sad siya’y obligasyon sa pag tubag, pag pasabot sa iyang bahin, dili sa tanang higayon nga akoy mo gukod niya” said Lastimosa.

He emphasized, however, that he cannot let the governor intervene with his obligation to his work and his freedom to comment on issues involving her duties as a governor. He also said that Garcia “cannot dictate” his beliefs on certain issues.

“Di nalang diay ko mu-komentaryo batok niya? So tanang mga opisyal sa gobyerno, nga di gusto komintaryohan di nalang magpa-interview? Di man diay ka maka komentaryo kun di ka maka interview?” he added.

“Bahala’g unsaon ko niya, bahala’g iya kung iya kong i-kiha suklan nako siya, but I would like to assure her I’ll be fair to her,” Lastimosa said.  

Yesterdays proceeding was the second time the two parties underwent mediation after Regional Trial Court Judge Raphael Yrastorza Sr. referred the case to the Philippine Mediation Center.

The governor failed to attend the mediation last January 25 because of a prior engagement at the Cebu International Convention Center. The next mediation proceeding is scheduled on February 11.

Garcia sued Lastimosa for libel in relation to the latter’s column in The Freeman entitled Si Doling Kawatan on June 29, 2009.

Espinosa believes that “settlement is not a foreclosed possibility.” (FREEMAN)