Pacquiao files P75-M libel suit vs Gensan-based journalist

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao filed a libel case against a chapter chairman of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines here.

Pacquiao, the boxing champion is seeking P75 million in damages against Edwin G. Espejo, chair of the NUJP in South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City.

Espejo writes for the Asian Correspondent. He also maintains a column called "Pacquiao Watch" and Southern Comfort. He was former editor-in-chief of Sun.Star General Santos.

Pacquiao's case stemmed from the recent articles of Espejo, which appeared at online news outfits Asian Correspondent and MindaNews.

At the Asian Correspondent, the piece was titled "Stolen car dealer finds refuge in Pacman mansion," while MindaNews titled it "Dealer of stolen cars last seen in Pacman mansion."


Citing reports, Espejo wrote that Mohammad "Bong" Akia, former head of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group in Central Mindanao Region, was seen disembarking from a commercial plane from Manila two weeks ago, and immediately boarded the waiting vehicle of Pacquiao who flew in on the same flight.

"Reports said Akia accompanied Pacquiao in the latter's house and has not been seen since," Espejo reported.

An earlier press statement from the Philippine National Police said the suspect (whose surname was spelled Aquia) has been charged with violation of Republic Act 6539 or the Anti-Carnapping Act.

The case was filed against Aquia after the Highway Patrol Group arrested a village official here for possession of a stolen Hyundai Starex van.

The village official identified Aquia as the source of the "hot car" that was forcibly carjacked from a businessman in Angeles City and replaced with a license plate registered to showbiz celebrity Luis Manzano, according to the police.

Pacquiao's lawyers filed the libel suit late Monday afternoon before the City Prosecutor's Office.

Espejo said he has yet to formally receive a copy of the complaint but that he was able to obtain a copy from a third party.

"I'll stand by my story," he told BusinessWorld, noting that he’s still trying to find a lawyer to help him and that he's still waiting for the official copy of the complaint before issuing any more comments.

In the two articles that were the basis of Pacquiao's complaint, Espejo wrote that Mr. Pacquiao could not be reached for comment at the time because he was in the United States promoting his upcoming fight with American Timothy Bradley.

Pacquiao's laywer, Francisco "Bong" Gacal, said he was not aware Akia was in Pacquiao's house, the article reads.

Gacal, younger brother of long time Pacquiao lawyer Franklin “Jeng” Gacal Jr., said he will have to confirm the reports with the eight-time world boxing champion, it added.

"Knowing Congressman (Pacquiao) and Jinky, they do not allow Gensan (General Santos) guests to stay in their mansion," Gacal said even as he said he will inform Pacquiao about the rumor that Akia is still holed up inside the residence of the congressman, according to the articles.

In the MindaNews article, the piece continued by citing a report posted on Journal website on February 26.

The Journal report said that police personnel were ready to arrest Akia at the General Santos City airport morning of February 11 but when Akia noticed the presence of policemen, he hurriedly went to see Pacquiao, who had just arrived on board a commercial plane from Manila and was walking on his way to his Hummer vehicle with "Pacman" special plate.

By Bong S. Sarmiento