Broadcaster, facing arrest for libel, posts bail

CEBU, Philippines - A local radio broadcaster and commentator has received an order for his arrest from the Regional Trial Court for the crime of Libel filed by another broadcaster.

Before being arrested, Joeny Cahilog, popularly known as Rex “Kandos” Santos,  voluntarily surrendered to the Regional Trial Court-branch 39, accompanied by lawyer Sammy Dicen, and immediately posted bail of P10,500 for his temporary liberty.

Cahilog was accused of libel by fellow broadcaster Florence Felice Baesa of another radio station, who allleged that the accused had maligned her name by calling her a liar, among other “negative and hurtful commentaries.”

Baesa, in proving her allegations, submitted to the court a compact disc containing a recording and a transcript of the subject broadcast by Cahilog.

The respondent in turn submitted a counter affidavit denying that he committed libel and that his commentaries were fair and being made in good faith. He claimed that it has been public knowledge that other personalities in other radio stations were also attacking him on air.

Dicen said his client felt he was not given the full due process of law during the preliminary investigation and is now expected to file a motion for the remanding of the case to the city prosecutors office for a reinvestigation.

“If indeed, Cahilog’s statements were libelous at all,” Dicen argued these fall within the so-called “defensive libel” due to precedents that had also touched the character of his client.

Cahilog was surprised to know he has pending warrant of arrest for the libel complaint filed by Baesa when he has not even attended a preliminary hearing.

Baesa’s lawyer Michael Bandal however said a preliminary hearing was conducted last July 31, but Cahilog failed to come. He said Baesa has all the evidences submitted to court and that the hearing was agreed upon by both parties, with the respondent given time to file a rejoinder.

Assistant City Prosecutor Arnel Zerna, in his resolution dated August 13, 2014, found probable cause for the offense charged and recommended the  filing of the corresponding information in court. Dicen believed otherwise, insisting that there was no probable cause for the arrest of his client. —(FREEMAN)