Asistio files 4 more libel cases vs Annabelle

MANILA, Philippines - Former Caloocan City mayor Macario Asistio lodged four more counts of libel against talent manager Annabelle Rama before the Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office Monday for allegedly making defamatory statements against his family.

The formal complaint follows an arrest warrant issued by the Quezon City regional trial court for 14 counts of libel earlier filed against her by Asistio’s partner, former actress Nadia Montenegro.

Asistio was accompanied by Montenegro and their eldest daughter Ynna, Rama’s former ward and talent, in filing the charges before Assistant City Prosecutor Rowena Alejandria.

Marie Glen Abraham, Asistio’s lawyer, said Asistio is seeking P10 million in moral damages and another P10 million for exemplary damages.

Asistio had earlier filed libel and unjust vexation charges against Rama in mid-May, also in connection with Rama’s alleged malicious attacks on their family. He said he will not allow Rama or anybody to malign them in public.

The former mayor said the new cases were prompted by Rama allegedly calling the Asistios as “nothing but garbage” picked up from the street.

Asistio also said he was hurt when Rama allegedly said he is not the father of Montenegro’s children.

“When I tell my children that, will they not be hurt?” he said.