3 CH workers told to answer libel suit

CEBU, Philippines — The City Prosecutor's Office has given the three Cebu City Hall female employees, who were sued for libel, 10 days to submit their counter-affidavit.

Lorenzo Basamot, Department of General Services' records and archives management division head, filed the complaint on November 27, 2019 against the employees who accused him of sexually harassing them.

Basamot earlier said the allegations against him are politically motivated because he plans to run as barangay captain in the next elections.

“I am praying that truth will prevail. I will fight to give justice to my wife and my family,” Basamot told The Freeman.

Maria Luisa Ratilla, chief of Trial and Subpoena Division, has sent a subpoena to the respondents of the complaint.

The respondents are required to submit within 10 days from receipt of the subpoena a counter-affidavit and other supporting evidence/documents to controvert the complaint.

It was stated in the subpoena that failure to submit a counter-affidavit within the period given will be considered “waiver” of the respondents’ right to controvert the evidence of Basamot.

On the other hand, the respondents, the alleged victims, have formally filed a sexual harassment complaint against Basamot before the City Prosecutor's Office on December 6, 2019.

They are also requesting the City Prosecutor’s Office to conduct a preliminary investigation regarding the matter.

To recall, they have executed affidavits before the City Legal Office on October 21, 2019 stating they were “sexually harassed” by Basamot in three different occasions.

One of the alleged victims earlier said it took them a while for them to decide to file a case against Basamot because they were afraid.  KQD (FREEMAN)