MANILA, Philippines—Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac again failed to respond to the sedition complaint filed against him by the National Press Club (NPC) for allegedly assaulting an anchor of a government-run radio station.
Baac did appear during today’s preliminary investigation, but asked for time to submit an affidavit since his lawyer was not with him.
Baac was charged with violating Article 139 of the Revised Penal Code for Sedition, after he allegedly attacked dzRK Radyo ng Bayan anchor Jerome Tabanganay.
Tabanganay said that last June 27, Baac used force, intimidation or “acts outside of legal methods” when he entered dzRK Radyo ng Bayan station in Tabuk City and smashed a microphone against his mouth.
The complainant said Baac’s act was caught live through a camera inside the anchor’s booth that streams the radio station’s programs. The full length of the video of where the attack occurred can be seen at https://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15219369 .
Tabanganay suffered cuts on his lip, and bruise on the left cheek. He said Baac may have been irked by his program’s commentaries.
Baac was given up to Tuesday to submit his counter-affidavit. Failure to do so would mean a waiver of his right to present evidence.
The complainant did not oppose the request of Baac.