Libel case: Floirendo says funds from court victory vs Alvarez to go to scholars

Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio  Floirendo Jr. will set up a two-track scholarship fund if he wins the multiple libel cases he filed against former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Floirendo filed the charges on Aug. 20 at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office after Alvarez repeatedly accused him and his family of land grabbing when the latter was still Speaker.

Floirendo, scion of one of the wealthiest families in Mindanao, said he was not seeking financial gain and only wanted justice after the ousted Speaker allegedly demonized him and his family.

Floirendo said he never expected Alvarez to betray their longtime friendship because he financially supported the latter’s political campaigns “during happier times.”

“I want Alvarez punished, particularly for desecrating the memory of my father,” he said.

Floirendo said the foundation he envisioned would oversee a scholarship program for indigent but deserving students in his congressional district.

He said half of the fund would be earmarked for college students while the other half would be for students in accredited vocational schools.