Court battle between Ouano, Arigo begins

CEBU, Philippines - Former Mandaue Mayor and current Sixth District Board Member Thadeo Ouano believes he has a strong case against radio blocktimer Apolinario “Jun” Arigo whom he alleged to have maligned him over the latter’s radio program.

In yesterday’s pre-trial conference of the libel case Ouano filed against Arigo, Ouano’s lawyer Vicente Fernandez II stipulated that Arigo has attacked his client on air last September 26 and 28, 2009 after Ouano did not heed Arigo’s alleged demand for money.

Arigo’s lawyer, Ervin Estandarte, did not admit the stipulation.

Estandarte also objected to Fernandez’ stipulation that Arigo has also done the alleged act to Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes. Estandarte contended that Cortes is not a party to the case, but Judge Marilyn Yap allowed the stipulation, saying the same is allowed by the rules to prove motive and similarity of the offense.

Fernandez also stipulated that contrary to Arigo statements on air, Ouano has no record of having embezzled money from the Philippine National Bank where he used to work as a cashier.

Fernandez further stipulated that Ouano himself does not own four Jollibee outlets, albeit family has invested on the food chain.

Fernandez said at that time when Arigo allegedly attacked his client on air, Ouano was a private citizen and not a public official. This was also denied by Estandarte.

Ouano filed two counts of libel against Arigo sometime in September of 2009. Two warrant of arrests were served against Arigo last October 8, 2010 where he stayed overnight at the detention cell of Subangdaku Police Station. He was released the following day after posting bail of P20,000 and P10,000 for each case.

Arigo, in his September 26, 2009 commentaries aired over dyKC, accused Ouano of having left for the US after he embezzled money from PNB. He reportedly returned to Cebu and operated four branches of Jollibee. 

In his affidavit, Ouano said one of the reasons why he was sent to the US by the PNB management was to attend a seminar due to his excellent performance.

Ouano’s camp will be presenting 10 witnesses, including an official from PNB, dyKC and the National Telecommunication Commission while Arigo is set to present three witnesses during the trial on March 28, 2011.   (FREEMAN NEWS)