Manila, Philippines, Jun 23, 2010 / 01:35 am
A businesswoman in the Philippines has filed a $220,000 lawsuit against the Archbishop of Ozamiz Jesus Dosado over a news item published by the diocesan newspaper. She claims the story was libelous.
Agnes Grace Y. Chiong’s suit targets the Malindang Herald News, a weekly printed by the Archdiocese of Ozamiz. The archbishop chairs its board. Also charged in the suit were Msgr. Maximino Naron, vice-chairman of the board; editor-in-chief Fr. Sandy M. Cometa; and news editor Neptalie Batolenio, CBCP News reports.
The Herald News’ May 30-June 5 issue published a story on Danila Damason, a former house helper who worked for Chiong. Damason allegedly sustained injuries because of beatings inflicted by Chiong.
The story was based on a complaint Damason filed in the city’s police station.