The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office upheld the libel case that ABS-CBN entertainment reporter Gretchen Fullido filed against her colleagues in the network.
The chief prosecutor of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office changed its initial decision of dismissing the case after Fullido filed a motion of reconsideration, reported PEP.ph.
According to the resolution dated April 29, 2019 and signed by Quezon City Chief Prosecutor Vilma Barcellano, Fullido has enough pieces of evidence against journalist Ces Drilon, reporter Marie Lozano, and news executive Venancio Borromeo.
The resolution states that Drilon, Lozano, and Borromeo “all acted in bad faith when they issued libelous statements against Fullido.”
Referring to Drilon, the resolution reads:
“Respondent acted with malice when the imputation contained in her Affidavit appears to be absolutely discreditable tending to impeach the virtue and reputation of complainant.
“Respondent went beyond board and what is relevant on the case when she linked the act complained of to an alleged incident where complainant have many times received inappropriate comments from other members of TV Patrol, which in her opinion also constituted acts of sexual harassment.
“Respondent went farther when she said that complainant was willing to wear a bikini on television for TV Patrol’s ratings.
“It can be deduced from the words of respondent that she jumped into a conclusion or assumption that Complainant could easily ignore such unpleasant acts, as if she welcomed the same.”
Because of the decision, Fullido’s complaints can now be taken to court for a formal hearing.
The chief prosecutor of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has also recommended the issuance of the arrest warrants against Drilon, Lozano, and Borromeo due to Fullido’s libel charges.
