42 Journalists Face Libel Raps from Arroyo’s Husband

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo has filed a total of 42 libel charges against several journalists, research from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) revealed. The presidential spouse has been “fighting back” against journalists and media outfits publishing articles criticizing him by filing libel suits.

BY BULATLAT

Mike Arroyo, husband of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has filed a total of 42 libel charges against several journalists, research from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) revealed.

This is the highest number of libel charges filed by a single person. Arroyo has been “fighting back” against journalists and media outfits publishing articles criticizing him by filing libel suits.

“This situation highlights the predicament of journalists who risk imprisonment when reporting on controversial issues, particularly those involving powerful individuals,” said Jose Torres Jr. and Rowena Carranza-Paraan, NUJP chairman and secretary-general, respectively, in a letter to fellow journalists.

“It also highlights the need for the decriminalization of libel to allow greater room for open debate and public discussion of socially-relevant issues,” Torres and Paraan added. “Decriminalization of libel will strengthen the safeguards on free speech and expression and promote free flow of information – ingredients necessary in a democracy which we claim to enjoy.” Bulatlat

List of Journalists Charged with Libel by Mike Arroyo

Newsbreak ("More Properties", Dec. 8, 2005 issue)

1.         Marites Vitug (editor-in-chief)

2.         Glenda Gloria (associate editor)

3.         Ricky Carandang (business editor)

4.         R. E. Otico (editorial consultant)

5.         Jose Dalisay Jr. (editorial consultant)

6.         Booma Cruz (contributing editor)

Newsbreak ("Will she now change?", June 7, 2004 issue)

7.         Concepcion Paez (contributing writer)

Malaya ("Poe's Camp says Mike is Chief Cheating Operator", May 19, 2004)

8.         JP Lopez (reporter)

9.         Regina Bengco (reporter)

10.      Amado Macasaet (editor-in-chief)

11.      Enrique Romualdez (editor)

12.      Joy de los Reyes (editor)

13.      Ma. Teresa Molina (editor)

14.      Minnie Advincula (editor)

15.      Ellen Tordesillas (editor)

Malaya ("First Couple's idea of charity," July 9, 2004, Business Insight column by Macasaet)

Amado Macasaet (publisher)
16.      Rosario Galang (business editor)

Inquirer (14 counts, Tulfo's column "On Target" that appeared on Jan. 14, 17 and 26; March 9 and 23; May 23, June 17 and August 3, 2006)

17.      Ramon Tulfo (columnist)

18.      Isagani Yambot (publisher)

19.      Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc (editor-in-chief)

20.      Jose Ma. Nolasco (editor)

21.      Abelardo Ulanday (editor)

22.      Rosario Gargellano (editor)

23.      Artemio Engracia Jr. (editor)

24.      Jorge Aruta (editor)

25.      Pergentino Bandayrel Jr. (editor)

26.      Juan Sarmiento (editor)

Bandera (six counts, Tulfo's column "On Target" that appeared on Jan. 26, May 23 and 27, June 6,8 and 17)

27.      Eileen Mangubat (publisher)

28.      Beting Laygo Dolor (editor-in-chief)

29.      Jimmy Alcantara (associate editor)

30.      Raymond Rivera (circulation manager) 

Tribune (stories where Tatad was quoted as saying Arroyo was his wife's "chief cheater", May 14, 16, 17 and 18, 2004)

31.      Ninez Cacho-Olivares (editor-in-chief)

32.      Romulo Mariñas (editor)

33.      Gina Capili-Inciong (editor)

34.      Jake Martin (editor)

35.      Marvin Estigoy (editor)

36.      Gerry Baldo (reporter)

37.      Sherwin Olaes (reporter)

38.      Lito Tugadi circulation manager

39.      Jing Santos (subscription manager) 

(For accusing Mike Arroyo of influencing RPN-9 network to axe "Isumbong Mo , Tulfo Brothers during a press conference in QC on August 2)

(Ramon Tulfo)
40.      Erwin Tulfo
41.      Raffy Tulfo 

INQ7.net ("How to Solve A Problem like Mike Arroyo", July 5, 2004, High Ground column)

42. William Esposo 

© 2006 Bulatlat ■  Alipato Media Center

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