Man indicted for libel vs. visa center, CEO

CEBU, Philippines — A man  has been indicted for libel for allegedly placing the reputation of a visa center and the center’s chief executive officer in doubt.

The complainant of the case was Prisca Niña Mabatid, CEO of Pinoycare Visa Center, and also the barangay captain of Mabolo who is currently running for Cebu City councilor in the north district.

Prosecutor Aurora Peñaflor held Levi Cortez, a resident of Bakilid, Mandaue City, Cebu, for trial after finding probable cause.

“Failing to refute the same having not filed his counter-affidavit, the uncontroverted alleged facts stand as to establish probable cause to recommend this case for filing in court where the evidence and truth will be ferreted out,” the resolution read.

In her complaint, Mabatid alleged that on August 16, 2018, Cortez made a libelous statement against her and Pinoycare, which she represents, that came out in a local newspaper.

Cortez alleged that he still did not receive his Canadian immigrant visa even after he paid P83,000 to Pinoycare.

“They haven’t done nothing to speed the processing of my visa. I paid for their services so that someone will process my visa for me but they have not done nothing,” Cortez is quoted as saying.

Mabatid said the publication gave her and the company a bad image as they were made to appear that they didn’t do anything in processing the visa application of Cortez, when in fact it was not true.

A subpoena was issued against Cortez but he failed to file his counter-affidavit. Hence, the case was resolved on the basis of the evidence submitted by Mabatid, and Peñaflor found probable cause to charge Cortez for libel before the court. (FREEMAN)