De Castro cleared of libel raps

A Quezon City Regional Trial Court acquitted of libel charges senator-elect Noli de Castro who vowed to devote some of his time as a legislator working for the protection of journalists and broadcasters against work-related harassment.

The broadcaster-turned politician also called on all members of the Fourth Estate "to be responsible in your daily work. As long as you have your evidence, there’s nothing to worry about."

"I’ll see what I can do to decriminalized libel, but you see, many have tried (and failed) but I will still study and try," De Castro told reporters shortly after his acquittal.

De Castro, who topped the May 14 senatorial race, expressed elation over the judgment rendered by Judge Thelma Ponferada clearing him of libel charges filed by Cesar Escosa, a researcher/developer of Deuterium Heavy Mining Project.

Escosa said De Castro and fellow broadcaster, the late Lito Villarosa, made on radio dzMM and Channel 2, false and libelous imputations against him by broadcasting that he was involved in racketeering by selling applications for employment in June 1989.

The complainant said they issued employment forms of their firm free of charge contrary to De Castro’s false and malicious claims that caused him dishonor and resulted in family separation.– Cecille Suerte Felipe