Davao radioman acquitted of libel in 'Burlesk King' case

DAVAO CITY – A regional trial court judge here has acquitted a broadcaster of libel charges stemming from the so-called “Burlesk King” controversy in 2001.

RTC Branch 17 Judge Renato Fuentes cleared radioman Junior Digamon in the libel case filed against him by Jeanette Lomanta, who was tagged in the scandal along with Speaker Prospero Nograles.

Digamon is an anchorman of the Testigo news program of GMA-7 here and a commentator also of GMA-7’s local radio station. He was working with Radyo Bombo when he was sued for libel.

As the story went, Lomanta’s husband allegedly ordered Nograles to run naked when he supposedly chanced upon her and the congressman together in a hotel sometime in 2001.

“It is really true that God is watching us. I am happy. I am vindicated,” Digamon told The STAR, describing his acquittal as a victory for press freedom.

“This shows that mediamen should not be afraid if one is on the side of the truth. There is really nothing to fear if we are really on the side of the truth,” he added.

Fuentes said there was no sufficient evidence that would merit Digamon’s conviction.

Nograles earlier had withdrawn his case against Digamon, in what the Speaker described as “in the spirit of forgiveness and out of my own goodwill.”

Fuentes said Nograles’ decision to withdraw his complaint also eventually weakened Lomanta’s case against the broadcaster.

Digamon thanked Fuentes for his favorable decision.

“I thank the judge for being objective in going over my case,” he said.

Digamon also sought the immediate release of fellow Bombo Radyo broadcaster Alex Adonis, who was similarly charged with libel by Nograles and Lomanta.

Adonis is detained at the Davao Penal Farm in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

“I hope and pray that Adonis will also be freed soon,” Digamon said.