Mayor sues radiomen for gay tag

ROXAS CITY—A radio blocktimer and the manager of a radio station here are facing two counts of libel because the former has portrayed the mayor as gay, among other things.

City Mayor Angel Alan Celino filed the libel suits against Salvador Capulot Jr. and Radio Mindanao Network (RMN)-dyVR station manager Eliezer Abarra with the Roxas City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday afternoon.

Capulot is a blocktimer for Ugyon Kita Capiz (UKC), a local political party whose members have ran against Liberal Party (LP) candidates.

In his 25-page complaint, the mayor said Capulot maligned him during the latter’s radio program, “Mr. Bistado,” saying the mayor has been seen visiting gay bars in Iloilo City during Thursdays and Fridays.

Capulot further claimed that Celino has been arrested for jaywalking, the mayor said in his complaint.

In his blocktime program aired July 29, 2012, Capulot said the mayor and Roxas City Councilor Matthew James Viterbo went to a gay bar named “Paraiso” in Iloilo City using a government vehicle, the mayor added.

The blocktimer further made malicious and vulgar imputations by saying that “the mayor was kneeling down while biting sugarcane.”

Celino denied all Capulot’s accusations. “I did not go to gay bars in Iloilo City or elsewhere. Neither have I gone to this place of ill repute with Councilor Matthew Viterbo,” he added.

Abarra was included in the libel suit because, as manager of RMN-dyVR, he allegedly allowed Capulot full access and opportunity to use the radio station to malign the mayor.

However, the station manager said he had sent a memorandum to Capulot questioning him on the words he was using. However, Capulot still continued his attacks against the LP officials.

“I have done my part to remind him through a series of verbal and written instructions. But he still continued his attacks on the political enemies of Ugyon Kita Capiz,” Abarra added.

Abarra said he would face the consequences of Capulot’s action, adding that he wanted to show the Capiceños that democracy is alive in Capiz.

Capulot also urged his accuser to spare the station manager from the case.

Celino is asking for P2 million in moral damages from each of Capulot and Abarra.