Court Finds Broadcaster Guilty of Libel

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 on Friday finds broadcaster and columnist Leo Lastimosa guilty of libel charges filed against him by former Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.

“Wherefore, in view of the foregoing premises, judgment is hereby rendered finding accused, Leo Lastimosa, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of libel, and sentences him to a penalty of fine of P6,000 with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency,” read the 38-page order penned by RTC 14 Judge Raphael Yrastorza.

The case stemmed from Lastimosa’s June 29, 2007 column entitled “Si Doling Kawatan” published at The Freeman newspaper. The portion of the column reads “Si Doling lab-asera. Kansang kinabuhi kalit lang nausab. Kalit lang nidako ang iyang bay. Kalit lang nidaghan ang iyang mga sakyanan. Kalit lang nanguhong ang iyang kabtangan. Kalit lang nilapad ang iyang mga patigayon. Sa laktod, mora siyang nakadaog og lotto…”

The same ruling orders Lastimosa to pay P2 million as moral damages to Garcia. Lastimosa’s lawyer, Atty. Celso Espinosa said they will appeal the judgment.