Mediation on for Tomas-Atan case

CEBU, Philippines - Businessman Jonathan “Atan” Guardo is open for settlement with regards to the two libel cases Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña filed against him.

Guardo, who was charged for two counts of libel, appeared for conciliation with Osmeña together with his lawyer, Butch Cañares.

However, Guardo said Osmeña failed to come for mediation and added it was the latter’s lawyers Benjamin Militar and Richard Seville who were present.

Guardo said they have not arrived at any settlement yet, but hopes they could come up with something on July 28, their second meeting.

“Hopefully we can come up with a settlement and move forward,” he said.

Guardo added that they will talk first with Osmeña before making a public apology as what Osmeña asks.

Attorney Militar disclosed that Osmeña could not attend the mediation because he had another appointment. Osmeña was available for the conciliation meeting only in the morning and not in the afternoon as scheduled.

However, he is confident that Osmeña will be present the next mediation.

Militar refused to disclose what was initially discussed.

“It is confidential. We will announce it if the mediation will be final,” he said.

It was Marissa Puche who mediated between both parties.

Osmeña accused Guardo of making malicious and defamatory statements that came out in a local newspaper on January 10 and 11, 2010. — (FREEMAN)