The Philippine Online Chronicles

Supreme Court (SC) Justice Presbitero Velasco, Jr. has filed a libel case against journalist Marites Danguilan Vitug for posting an article on abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak that supposedly “portrays [him] as an unethical person without delicadeza.”

According to Velasco, the article “SC Justice in Partisan Politics?” alleges that he has been abusing his position and influence to boost the candidacy of his son Lord Allan for the congressional seat in Marinduque. Velasco has filed 13 counts of libel against Vitug, with moral, exemplary and other damages amounting to P1 million.

“Ms. Vitug publicly accused me in her Newsbreak online article…[of having] wantonly violated the Code of Judicial Conduct and existing laws,” the complaint said. “Said malicious imputations were plainly directed against me and had caused me, my wife and children, especially Allan, irreparable dishonor, discredit, and contempt.”

The article, which the elder Velasco described as a “vicious smear campaign”, described him as “shaping up to be a key figure in his son’s uphill battle,” rallying support for Allan and inviting other officials to run alongside him. Velasco also supposedly offered to reimburse the campaign expenditures of those who support his son.

“[Justice Velasco] called to offer me to run for councilor with his son and to attend a meeting in his resident. I couldn’t attend the meeting and I declined his offer,” said barangay captain Marife Pastrana, one of those interviewed for Vitug’s article. “He said I shouldn’t worry about campaign expenses, he’ll take care of the funds.”

In response, Velasco said in his complaint, “This is a lie, an absolute falsehood. I have never invited Ms. Pastrana to any meeting, let alone a political one, as I make it a point not to involve myself in any activity which may be perceived, even remotely, as political to promote the candidacy of a son, relative or friend.”

Vitug on the other hand, said that she has not yet read the complaint, but mentioned the possibility that the case was connected with the launch of her new book, Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court.

“He may want to intimidate me or discredit me. The story speaks for itself. It’s based on facts," she said.

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