Chavit files P200-M libel suit vs JV

Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, the government’s star witness against ousted President Joseph Estrada, filed the other day a P200-million libel suit against Estrada’s son, San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, for allegedly calling him a murderer.

In a television interview, Singson said the damages he is seeking are equivalent to Ilocos Sur’s share of the tobacco excise tax, of which P130 million was allegedly pocketed by Estrada as kickbacks.

Singson filed the libel suit with the prosecutor’s office in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

For his part, Ejercito described the case as mere harassment, saying it was meant to divert attention from his father’s trial for plunder in the Sandiganbayan’s Special Division.

Singson testified before the Sandiganbayan that Estrada demanded P130 million in kickbacks in exchange for the release of Ilocos Sur’s P200-million share of tobacco excise taxes.

Testifying for his own defense, Estrada denied Singson’s claim.