Court tells trader: Prove Rama will withdraw case

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court has given a businessman sued by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for libel at least a month to submit the affidavit of desistance of Rama, who reportedly accepted his apology.

Regional Trial Court Judge Generosa Labra of Branch 23 gave James Philip Tiongko on or before the next scheduled hearing, which is on December 8, to submit Rama’s affidavit of desistance.

Tiongko, a businessman and defeated candidate for councilor in Cebu City, asked the court to dismiss the libel case filed against him, claiming he already publicly apologized to Rama.

Rama sued Tiongko for libel for allegedly ruining his reputation.

Rama alleged that Tiongko called him a “drug protector” at the height of the campaign in the 2010 election. Rama was vice mayor at that time and was running for mayor.

Tiongko, who was the executive director of Krusada Batok sa Droga, alleged that Rama is “public enemy number one” for protecting a convicted drug pusher.

Tiongko reportedly apologized to Rama verbally in May and, on July 1, he went to the court and issued an apology to the mayor through a letter.

He added that the last time he and Rama met, the latter told him not to mention anything from the past.

“So I say that if my actions and words has caused you and your family hurt, anger, embarrassment, and shame, I offer my sincere apologies. And to you “Mike” I say sorry,” the letter read.

Labra during the pre-trial of the case gave the camp of Tiongko time to submit the affidavit of desistance of Rama.

“As prayed for by Atty. Manuel Legaspi, he is given on or before the next scheduled hearing, in which to submit affidavit of desistance of the complainant,” read the order.

Tiongko earlier said he was happy that the mayor accepted his apology.  (FREEMAN)