Lastimosa posts bail for libel case

CEBU, Philippines - Veteran broadcaster and journalist Leo Lastimosa posted bail for his libel case in the sala of judge Raphael Yrastorza yesterday afternoon.

Earlier yesterday morning Lastimosa went to the same sala to commit himself and post bail after reports that an arrest warrant had been issued against him. 

Escorted by his lawyer Celso Espinosa and two policemen, Lastimosa left the Fuente Police Station and headed to the Palace of Justice, but he later left after it was clarified that that warrant had not yet been signed as of yesterday morning, contrary to reports that came out in another newspaper.

The warrant was formally issued against him around 2 p.m. and he returned to the Palace of Justice to post the P10,000 bail.

The warrant was for the libel case filed against him by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for his column “Si Doling Kawatan” published in The FREEMAN on June 29, 2007. 

Garcia believes she was alluded to by the column.

Lastimosa also said he was surprised by the speed with which the warrant was issued.

“Nahibong ko nganong kadali ba na-release sa akong warrant sa gamay nga kaso unya ang dagkong kaso sama sa CICC og Balili wala pa. Kani ako nalang ning ihangad sa langit og nanghinaut nga dili langayon ang kaso ug andam akong moatubang ni Governor Gwen sa korte,” Lastimosa said referring to other controversies hounding the governor.

Meanwhile, Yrastorza said he was not amused with the premature news report that said he had issued a warrant against Lastimosa.

The judge threatened to impose a media ban in his sala if this ever happened again, saying the media should not jeopardize people.  (FREEMAN)