Iloilo City mayor files libel raps vs losing candidate

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – This city’s Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has filed a P3-million libel case against a politician for linking him to an illegal drug case.

Mabilog filed the case against Bryan Zulueta on Sept. 4 with the city prosecutor’s office.

Zulueta ran but lost in the race for the city council in 2013.

He reportedly said during the launching of the Iloilo Alliance against Corruption and Transparency (I-ACT) on Aug. 31 that the mayor is getting 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs in the city.

Zulueta, convenor of I-ACT, recanted his statement the following day, claiming he was not alluding to Mabilog.

He apologized to Mabilog, saying his statement was a mere “hearsay.”

The apology did not appease Mabilog, who said Zulueta’s statement was libelous and irresponsible.

The mayor said he would rather face Zulueta in court.

If he wins the case, Mabilog said he would use the P3 million in anti-drug abuse programs.