Ombudsman junks Chavit's libel case vs Miriam

MANILA, Philippines -  Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago is not liable for calling Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson a “jueteng lord” during a privilege speech last year, according to the Office of the Ombudsman.

In dismissing the case, the anti-graft agency said Santiago was enjoying parliamentary immunity when she made the remark.

“A deeper evaluation of the complaint shows that the same should be dismissed outright for want of palpable merit,” read the decision.

Singson has accused Santiago of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for calling him a “jueteng lord.” 

Santiago’s office said Singson’s lawyer in the case was Bonifacio Alentajan, who now serves as counsel of former defense secretary Angelo Reyes.

Reyes has accused Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former military budget officer George Rabusa of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for accusing him of illegally receiving P50 million in “sendoff” money.

The order of dismissal in the case of Singson v. Defensor Santiago was submitted on Oct. 15, 2010 by graft investigating officer Altesa Anioso.

It was approved by Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez on Dec. 29, 2010.