Bobby asks two fiscals to lay off his libel case

CEBU, Philippines - Bobby Nalzaro has asked Assistant City Prosecutor Gandhi Truya and Prosecutor Maria Theresa Casino to inhibit from handling the preliminary investigation of the libel case against him, citing possible bias.

The case stemmed from a complaint Tomas Osmeña filed against the popular radioman and television broadcaster for allegedly accusing the former Cebu City mayor of fabricating evidence against City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas.

Of the three prosecutors appointed to handle the preliminary investigation, Nalzaro only targeted Gandhi and Casino.

In his motion for inhibition, Nalzaro said he had publicly criticized Truya’s father, Cebu Provincial Assistant Prosecutor Crispulo Truya, for alleged extortion almost 20 years ago.

That alleged extortion incident came up when a certain Marilyn Benting sought Nalzaro’s help after her son was charged with assaulting persons in authority.

Benting alleged that Crispulo, who was one of the prosecutors of the case, approached her and allegedly demanded a certain amount so the concerned police officers would drop the case.

Benting said she initially refused but eventually gave P500 after Crispulo threatened that he would not work on the release of her son.

Nalzaro helped Benting expose the alleged incident that led to Crispulo’s suspension.

“While Prosecutor Truya is a different person from his father, the fact cannot be denied that respondent (Nalzaro) was vital in the suspension of his father (Crispulo),” read part of the motion.

Nalzaro believes that Gandhi would manifest partiality against him in handling the preliminary investigation.

In the case of Casino, Nalzaro said he learned that Osmeña once offered financial assistance to the prosecutor.

To recall, Casino was one of the wounded victims of the Marcelo Fernan Hall of Justice shooting incident last January 22, 2013 involving Canadian gunman John Pope.

Osmeña reportedly offered Casino P300, 000 for the prosecutor’s hospital expenses.  Nalzaro said he reliable sources told him Casino did accept the offer.

Nalzaro, though, clarified that he is not questioning the acceptance or rejection of the financial assistance; however, he is more concerned on Casino’s possible bias for Osmeña as an effect of the help given. (FREEMAN)