Another judge handles libel case vs Nalzaro

CEBU, Philippines - Regional Trial Court Judge Gilbert Moises of Branch 18 will handle the libel case filed by former congressman Tomas Osmeña against tri-media personality Pablito “Bobby” Nalzaro. 

This came after Judge Generosa Labra of Branch 23, in an order dated September 18, voluntarily inhibited from handling the case. 

“Considering that (they) are both friends of the undersigned and earnest efforts exerted by her to reconcile their differences failed, in order to avoid doubt or an iota of suspicion, viz-a-viz the outcome of the case, the undersigned presiding judge voluntarily inhibits herself from hearing the merits of the above-captioned case,” said Labra.

Before Labra, Judge Ricky Jones Macabaya of Branch 5 also inhibited from the case. Nalzaro earlier said Macabaya used to prosecute the libel case filed by Osmeña against businessman Jonathan Guardo while still with the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

Osmeña sued Nalzaro for allegedly maligning him in his newspaper column. He alleged Nalzaro degraded his reputation when the latter alleged in his column that he filed fabricated cases against officer-in-charge (OIC) Cebu City treasurer Diwa Cuevas.

“Tomas is moving to sabotage Mike’s administration. Unfortunately, because of his obsession to get back at Mike, many innocent people got caught in the political crossfire. An example is OIC city treasurer Diwa Cuevas. Tomas filed several administrative cases against her. Some of those cases were based on fabricated charges,” Nalzaro’s column reportedly read. 

Osmeña said the article “unjustly imputes” that he fabricated charges against Cuevas.  Nalzaro welcomed the re-raffling of the case. 

“It’s okey. Bisan asa na nga judge basta fair lang. I’m willing to face that case,” he said in a text message.  (FREEMAN)