Manila RTC issues arrest warrant vs Archbishop Cruz

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued last Monday a warrant of arrest against former Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz in connection with a libel case filed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

The case stemmed from a statement released by Cruz accusing Pagcor of using its women employees as “guest relations officers (GROs)” during the birthday party of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. 

The warrant was issued by Judge Antonio Rosales of Manila RTC Branch 52, after granting the motion to post bail filed by Cruz’s legal counsel, Estelito Mendoza.

Mendoza filed the motion to post bail last April 28. Rosales granted the motion and set bail at P10,000 on May 9.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed on April 22 libel charges against Cruz before the Manila RTC, setting aside a resolution issued earlier by the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office dismissing the case against Cruz.

The libel case stemmed from the complaint of the marketing assistants of Pagcor, who said Cruz allegedly made defamatory statements about the employees.

The news articles, which quoted Cruz as the source, came out in several major daily newspapers on June 28, 2004.

Cruz had said in a statement posted on a website that some marketing assistants of Pagcor had been ordered to entertain the guests of Mr. Arroyo in Malacañang “like GROs.” In the Philippines, the term GRO has a negative connotation.

The Pagcor employees had volunteered to act as usherettes in a gathering held at Malacañang Park on June 26, 2004. Cruz alleged that the women were made to wear sexy clothes and were made up in a beauty salon.

Meanwhile, Cruz said he has not been informed about the warrant. “I am not aware that a warrant has been issued against me,” he said.

However, he expressed confidence that he would be well defended in the criminal case because “the best lawyer in the country” would assist him, adding that  “I will not pay him. In return, I will only have to pray for him.”

In another development, CBCP president and Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo yesterday expressed support for Archbishop Cruz.

Lagdameo said he does not yet know the full details of the case lodged against Cruz, but said that “I personally am in solidarity with Archbishop Cruz and I will pray for him. Malalampasan niya ito (he will survive this).”