Ex-councilor, radioman settle dispute out of court

CEBU, Philippines —  A Cebu City court has dismissed all libel cases filed by former Cebu City councilor, Atty. Gerardo Carillo, against the former station manager of local radio station DYRC-Cebu.

This after both parties agreed to amicably settle their differences outside the court.

Judge Ramon Daomilas Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 issued a joint order after complainant Carillo testified that he and accused Juniño Padilla settled the civil aspect of the cases he filed against him.

Carillo filed four counts of violation of Republic Act 10175 (cybercrime) in relation to Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code (libel) against Padilla after the latter allegedly hit him thru his radio programs that was also aired via social media a few years ago when the accused was still the radio station manager.

But in a video conference hearing regarding the case, both parties appeared with Assistant City Prosecutor Al Lagahit. Also present online was Padilla’s counsel, Atty. Dave Villarin.

In the hearing, Carillo testified that he is no longer interested and will not cooperate in pursuing the cases he filed against Padilla.

“After evaluating the answers of the private complainant Atty. Gerardo Carillo, the court finds that without his active cooperation, the public prosecutor cannot prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt,” the joint order said.

“For lack of sufficient evidence, the above-entitled cases are ordered dismissed with prejudice,” the order added.

The court also ordered the return of Padilla’s bail bonds. — Ian B. Melecio, Banat News Associate Editor, GMR (FREEMAN)