Noli accuser gets 2-year jail term

A Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) sentenced yesterday to two to four years imprisonment an alleged supporter of Sen. Loren Legarda who was found guilty of making defamatory statements against Vice President Noli de Castro "during the 2004 elections.

Judge Francisco Mendiola of Branch 115 found Rafael Engle guilty beyond reasonable doubt of making defamatory statements against De Castro.

"Noteworthy is the failure of the accused to be present after the commencement of the trial of this case as he has jumped bail. His flight is an additional indication of his guilt, " Mendiola said in his decision.

He ordered Engle, who remains at large, arrested to serve his sentence on the libel case.

De Castro’s camp claimed that Engle was a supporter of former Sen. Loren Legarda during the 2004 vice presidential campaign.

The Vice President welcomed the court’s decision.

"A strong, fair and credible justice system is essential to assure democracy in our country," De Castro said. – Pia Lee Brago, Rhodina Villanueva