4 counts of libel filed against Baskog anchorwoman

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Four counts of libel have been recommended recently by the Roxas City Prosecutor’s Office to be filed in court against an anchorwoman of Baskog Radyo here.

Associate City Prosecutor Richel Rivera-Siriban recommended the filing of four separate informations of libel under Article 353, penalized under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, against India O. Lavapiez of Costa Verde in Brgy. Cagay.

Lavapiez is an anchorwoman of Baskog Network Global Consulting Services Corporation (BNGCSC), owner and operator of Baskog Radyo.

But the prosecutor dismissed the grave threat committed through the use of information and communication technologies against BNGCSC and Lavapiez for lack of probable cause.

The complaints were filed by businesswoman Edith Santos of Washington Street, Roxas City, claiming that Lavapiez, also known as “Mamang India,” maliciously and unlawfully uttered defamatory remarks against her during live radio broadcasts on November 29 and 30, and December 8 and 12, 2023.

Some of the defamatory imputations issued by Lavapiez against Santos in her radio broadcast were: “Lampingasan ka nga babaye, animal ka, kabundol mo, pala-utang ka (You are an impertinent woman, you animal, you are clumsy, you are always borrowing money).”

Due to the alleged illegal and unlawful act committed by Lavapiez, Santos claimed she suffered sleepless nights, mental anguish, and a besmirched reputation.

She said that Lavapiez’s defamatory remarks affected her business and her relationships with relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Lavapiez has yet to issue a statement regarding the case filed against her.