For calling him Remonde's 'lapdog' Junia to file P2 M libel suit vs Castro

CEBU, Philippines - Press Undersecretary Romeo “Butch” Junia has threatened to file P2 million libel suit against controversial assistant Cebu City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro for calling him a “lapdog.”

Junia felt alluded to when Castro mentioned in her complaint for libel against Press Secretary Cerge Remonde that the latter is interested in “controlling” the Bureau of Immigration in Cebu because he has a “lapdog who wanted to occupy the helm.”

In the said complaint, Castro claimed that Remonde’s “lapdog” in the BI Cebu “eventually moved out for mysterious reason.”

Junia said Castro was obviously referring to him because there was no other official from the BI who moved out to occupy a much higher position in Malacañang except him.

Junia said he will file the P2 million libel suit against Castro before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office where he is a resident. He added he will spend P36,000 as filing fee for the complaint unlike Castro who said she will demand P20 million damages from Remonde but did not pay the equivalent filing fee.

Asked when he will be filing the complaint, Junia said he will wait for the right timing and that is when Castro will not have so much to worry about.

Like Castro, Junia was also used to be detailed at the BI Cebu before he was appointed press undersecretary. While acting as BI regional director, Junia traded charges with Castro before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas.

Castro was already recalled by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez from the BI upon the request of Remonde because of several complaints that reached his office.

Remonde’s letter to Gonzalez requested for Castro’s relief from the BI and the conduct of appropriate disciplinary action because of alleged irregularities was published in the media prompting the controversial lady prosecutor to file the libel case against the press secretary who was also acting then as Executive Secretary.

In the complaint that she filed before the Cebu City Prosecutors Office, Castro claimed of having maligned by Remonde for causing the publication of a supposed “privilege communication.” In the same complaint, claimed that Remonde has a “lapdog” who wanted to occupy the helm at the BI. – Fred P. Languido/WAB (THE FREEMAN)