Midwife sues neighbor for oral defamation

CEBU, Philippines - For allegedly degrading her reputation, a midwife of the Liloan Municipal Health Center filed a complaint for grave oral defamation against her neighbor before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

In her complaint-affidavit, Ritchie Perolino, 36, a resident of Barangay San Roque, Liloan, said that on Jan. 18, 2013 around 2 p.m., the respondent Alma Branzuela uttered words that “gravely insulted and degraded” her reputation in front of other employees and patients at the said health center.

Based on the documents, respondent alleged the complainant has an illicit affair with her husband which she denied.

Perolino said prior to the filing of complaint before the Prosecutor’s Office she lodged a complaint before the Office of the Barangay Captain for reconciliation but failed.

Mary Grace Cabahug, 22, of Barangay Yati, Liloan, Cebu, executed an affidavit to corroborate Perolino’s statement.  She said on that date and time she saw a woman whom she later identified as Erlinda Branzuela approach the latter and told that her daughter-in-law was looking for her.

Then the respondent suddenly shouted at the complainant calling her many derogatory names.  She added she then heard complainant saying “I will not waste my time with you if you treat me this way.”

Aside from the affidavit of Cabahug, Perolino attached police report and certificate to file action as evidence in her complaint sheet.

The respondent is set to answer the allegation filed against her once she receives a summons from the mentioned  office.  —(FREEMAN)