Gwen’s lawyer cites “inconsistency” in Leo Lastimosa’s testimony

CEBU, Philippines - “I am a columnist and not categorized myself as fiction writer.”

This was the statement of tri-media personality Leo Lastimosa during the continuation of his cross-examination yesterday for the libel case filed by suspended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Prosecution lawyer Lito Astillero asked Lastimosa three questions while he was on the witness stand. Astillero asked Lastimosa if he was a fiction writer.

Astillero, in an interview, said the earlier statement of Lastimosa that his Arangkada column in The FREEMAN titled “Si Doling Kawatan” was created out of fiction and does not in any way refer to Garcia, was in contrast in his statement that he did not categorize himself as a fiction writer.

“There was an inconsistency in his statement,” Astillero said, referring to Lastimosa and adding that they remain on their stand that “Si Doling Kawatan” referred to their client, Garcia.

Lastimosa explained that he used to write fiction stories on Bisaya Magazine before. However, in his column on The Freeman, he deals with all subject matters “under the sun” like current events.

When asked if he brought with him a sample of a fiction story he wrote in his column, Lastimosa told Astillero that he cannot recall making such promise.

The next hearing is set on April 12, 2013.

Defense counsel Celso Espinosa said that in the next hearing, they will be presenting lawyer Democrito Barcenas as their last witness. He reiterated that “Si

Doling Kawatan” was made out of fiction and did not refer to the governor.

Espinosa said there was no inconsistency in the statement of his client.

Likewise, Astillero said their camp as of the moment cannot decide yet whether to present a rebuttal witness after the last witness for the prosecution will be presented.

“It depends on their testimony, we might,” Astillero said.

The prosecution presented four witnesses namely: Garcia, Glenn Baricuatro, The Freeman Editor Debbie Dixie Duraliza and lawyer Pachico Seares.

Earlier, during the direct examination made by Espinosa, Lastimosa belied the allegation that his column refers to Garcia. He added Doling was a fictitious name and refers to all, not in particular. “Doling does not in any way refer to the governor,” he earlier said.

Lastimosa was charged for a criminal case of libel for allegedly maligning Garcia in his Arangkada column in The FREEMAN titled “Si Doling Kawatan” in 2007. The column tells the story of a fish vendor who became rich after she entered politics.

The case was handled by Judge Raphael Yrastroza of Regional Trial Court Branch 14. (FREEMAN)