The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) on Thursday, June 26, lauded Bacolod City Regional Trial Court Branch 53 for its acquittal of a Bacolod journalist facing a libel case after nearly two decades of legal proceedings.
Acquitted of the libel raps was former Negros Press Club president Erwin “Ambo” Delilan, formerly of SunStar-Bacolod.
The court determined the prosecution failed to prove libel charges beyond a reasonable doubt for charges that arose in 2005, PTFOMS said in a press release.
“Delilan’s reporting on a dispute cited official complaints without additional commentary or malicious intent. This action was deemed to be within the realm of responsible journalism and protected by the constitutional freedom of the press,” it said.
“This ruling underscores a fundamental tenet of press freedom: journalists should not be penalized for reporting matters of public interest in good faith and without actual malice,” said Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of PTFOMS.
“The law clearly demands a higher standard of proof in libel cases involving public figures”, it added.
Bacolod City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 53 Presiding Judge Sue Lynn Lowie-Jolingan acquitted Delilan, vendor Angela Atesora, and lawyer Imelda Gerangaya of the libel charges on June 20.
The case stemmed from a SunStar Bacolod article published on May 30, 2005, written by Delilan, which reported on a land dispute.
Lawyer Archie Baribar, a former Bacolod councilor, filed the libel complaint alleging that the article defamed him.
Gerangaya was implicated after Baribar identified her as the news outlet’s business manager.
The PTFOMS press release said it is committed to institutionalizing reforms to prevent the misuse of libel laws against the media and stands ready to support media practitioners in their pursuit of safe, ethical, and fearless journalism.*