Ligas seeks dismissal of two libel cases

CEBU, Philippines - Edward Ligas, a radio blocktimer who was charged with two libel cases before the Mandaue City Prosecutors Office, has sought for the dismissal of the charges, which he argued did not warrant criminal prosecution.

Ligas said the libel cases, filed against him by Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano and daughter-in-law Cheryl Ouano, were just “clear and pure harassment to silence him from discussing (over the radio) legitimate  public issues and controversies during the former incumbency of Thadeo as mayor of Mandaue City.

Ligas, in his counter affidavit submitted to Assistant City Prosecutor Felixberto Geromo on Monday, refuted the allegations of Thadeo, who he said only fabricated stories that he approached the PB member for sponsorship of a program last December.

Ligas said the last time he met Thadeo was in 2010, during the election campaign, when he was hired to be an emcee for the sorties of the complainant’s younger sister, Liza Ouano Icalina, who was running for barangay chairmanship at the time.

In his affidavit, Ligas insisted he did not say that “Teddy Batibot (referring to Thadeo) will crawl to Cheryl and have sex with her,” because he did not believe that the two have illicit sexual relationship, contrary to the claims of another radio blocktimer, Jun Arigo.

There was no malicious intent, Ligas said, when he cited a text message from his listener stating Thadeo’s alleged liaison with his helper as the two take a bath in a private place.

Thadeo and Cheryl had filed libel charges against Ligas for maligning them in his radio program.  (FREEMAN)