Libel case vs Sanchez junked

CEBU, Philippines - For “lack of basis,” the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the libel charges filed by Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro against Board Member Grecilda Sanchez.

Acting Talisay City Prosecutor Raymund Gultiano, in his resolution, found that the evidence presented by Castro was insufficient, thus, there is no reasonable ground to charge Sanchez for libel.

The Office of the Regional Prosecutor-7 designated Gultiano as acting prosecutor of Talisay City for the particular case.

City Prosecutor Marshall Rubia explained that they inhibited from dealing with the libel case to dispel doubts of partiality, considering that Castro is also handling cases in Talisay City.

Libel is a crime against honor and is punishable under the Revised Penal Code. It is committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, cinematographic exhibition, “or any similar means.”

The complaint stemmed from the alleged “humiliating” text messages Castro supposedly received from Sanchez through different numbers.

In her affidavit, Castro recalled Sanchez calling her “old gold digger bitch” accusing her of shaking down Sanchez’s brother Leodegreco “Greco” Sanchez for money.

Castro was married to Leodegreco “Greco” Sanchez in Muslim rites, but the two have since reportedly separated.

Castro said Sanchez’s messages tarnished her honor as a lawyer and put her “in public contempt and ridicule.”

She also asked for a P50 million indemnity because the text messages “ruin(ed) her reputation.”

Sanchez did not present evidence to refute Castro’s claims.

“The allegation that it was respondent (Sanchez) who sent the text messages was mere presumption. There is no sufficient evidence on record that it was respondent who indeed sent the same and that the phone used belong to her,” the prosecutor said.

Sanchez, in an interview yesterday, said she would file counter-charges against Castro and ask for damages.

But she said the damage claim would not be as high as what Castro demanded from her.

“I will demand only P1… I don’t think she (Castro) can afford P50 million,” she told reporters.  (FREEMAN)