New libel case hounds critic of LP stalwart

ILOILO CITY—Already convicted of libel, a critic of Sen. Franklin Drilon is facing another libel case filed yet again by the senator.

In a resolution on Nov. 27, the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office approved the filing of information for libel against Manuel Mejorada, former Iloilo provincial administrator, for five counts of violating provisions against online libel under Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Mejorada was indicted for his social media posts alleging corruption in Drilon’s projects in Iloilo, including the Iloilo Convention Center and the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue which Mejorada claimed was overpriced by 100 percent.

He also accused Drilon and other Liberal Party (LP) stalwarts of being involved in drug syndicates.

Mejorada, in a statement, said he planned to file a motion for reconsideration against his indictment. If denied, he said he would file a petition
for review at the Department of Justice.

“The charges are without legal and factual basis,” Mejorada said.