| Bukidnon electric co-op manager sues bishop, 51 priests for libel |
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| by Walter I. Balane / MindaNews | |
| Sunday, 29 November 2009 09:01 | |
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MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/28 November) – The general manager of the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative has filed libel charges against Bishop Honesto Ch. Pacana and 51 priests of the Diocese of Malaybalay following the publication of the clergy’s resolution calling for the former’s ouster.
Edgardo Masongsong accused the clergy of “malicious, baseless, unfounded, reckless, and wanton imputations,” which “resultantly defamed, caused dishonor and discredit” to his person. The complaint affidavit was filed at the City Prosecutor’s Office of Toledo City in Cebu province. Fr. Jonathan Tianero, station director of the Diocese-run DXDB, confirmed that some of the priests listed in the charge sheet have received notice of the complaint this week. Masongsong added that the publication was intentionally done by the respondents in the furtherance of their alleged “malicious design to defame, dishonor, and discredit his person. The clergy’s resolution, passed in a Presbyteral meeting on September 1, “strongly” called for the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to immediately remove Masongsong for alleged conduct unbecoming of an officer and for alleged betrayal of his oath of office. The affidavit complaint cited that the resolution was subject of a news article published by Central Mindanao Newswatch in its October 1 to 7 issue and in the online news site MindaNews. Masongsong refuted the accusation saying the contents of the said resolution “are false, unfounded, and find no factual and legal basis …”. The priests raised four points against Masongsong in the resolution, which the latter addressed one by one in his complaint. He said they just wondered where the list of priests in the charge sheet were taken when there were priests included in the complaint but did not sign the resolution or there were those who signed the resolution but were not included in the complaint. Sources said the libel case against the Bukidnon clergy is probably among the first of its kind. It could also be among those with the most number of accused priests. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews) Share this story through the following Social Media sites:            |
