Commentator cleared of libel raps

CEBU, Philippines – The libel complaint filed by Talisay City Administrator John Yre De los Reyes against radio commentator Gabriel Bonjoc was dismissed for lack of probable cause to proceed with the case.

Rhoda Alcala-Bacatan, who served as investigating prosecutor, ruled there was no probable cause for the offense of libel. The decision was approved by Cebu City deputy prosecutor Maria Luisa Ratilla on January 5, 2015. It was only last August 17 that Bonjoc received a copy of the resolution of dismissal.

Bonjoc handles radio program "Super Gabriel Bonjoc Onboard Saksi" that airs every Saturday over dySS.

De los Reyes claimed that Bonjoc maligned him in his radio program on October 4, 2014 by calling the latter "prinsipe sa kangitngit" or prince of darkness and "karaho." De los Reyes said this discredited him as a person.

De los Reyes said Bonjoc has a personal agenda against him in his radio commentaries, saying the radio host wanted him "removed from my post" as city administrator.

De los Reyes, son of Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, demanded an indemnity of P1 million to cover moral damages.

Bonjoc, in a counter-affidavit dated November 26, 2014, denied maligning the city administrator and explained that his commentaries only pertained to the matter of governance, administration and management of Talisay City, specifically on how Jon Yre put up a carnival in front of the city hall without the permission of the governing board of the fiesta celebration.

The prosecutor agreed that "utterances complained of were commentaries on matters of public interest."  They added that the "doctrine of fair comment" was observed.

While De los Reyes complained that Bonjoc acted with malice, Bacatan said "malice in law is not applicable in this case." The complainant must prove that there was actual malice, she added.