Richard Gomez: A no-show in hearing of case vs Jinggoy

Actor Richard Gomez was a no-show yesterday in the preliminary hearing of grave threats, physical injury, slander by deed and oral defamation charges he filed against former San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada with the Antipolo City prosecutor’s office.

City prosecutor Lorna Lee said that Gomez’ non-appearance could mean that he is no longer pursuing the cases.

Estrada, however, appeared this time after snubbing the first preliminary hearing of the case two weeks ago.

Lee said she is not ruling out the possibility that an amicable settlement can be reached between the two parties during the next hearing scheduled on August 18.

Last July 2, Estrada hit Gomez with an open right hand on the back of the head during a basketball game between Gomez’ Green Team and Estrada’s Orange team of the Star Olympics held at the Ynarez Sports Center in Antipolo City.

During the game, Gomez accidentally hit actor Caloy Salvador in the head causing him to fall on the floor. A commotion ensued and while Gomez was walking away, Estrada ran after him and hit him.

In an earlier interview, Estrada admitted guilt as he asked Gomez to forgive him. He said he was only "rescuing" a smaller team mate.

For his part, Gomez said Estrada humiliated him so much during the incident. — Non Alquitran