Nalzaro asks city prosecutors to inhibit from libel raps

To avoid any conflict of interest that may arise, broadcast-journalist Pablito “Bobby” Nalzaro is seeking the inhibition of the entire office of the Cebu City Prosecutors from handling the libel complaint filed against him.

Ramon Miguel Osmeña, son of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, earlier sued Nalzaro over his column published in September 2018 in a local newspaper entitled “Projecting a Pro-poor Image” and “Mikakak man diay.”

Osmeña alleged both columns implicated him that he was involved in illegal business – a butane canister refilling business.

However, Nalzaro, through his counsel, lawyer Joan Baron, filed a motion for inhibition yesterday.

Baron told The FREEMAN that they are seeking for an inhibition to avoid possible biases from the city prosecutor's office.

“Possible bias and prejudice against my client because the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office receives monthly allowance from the City Government. Since complainant is the son of Mayor Tom and of Councilor Margot, we would like to give the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office the opportunity to avoid being caught in a conflict of interest because of debt of gratitude,” read her text message.

In his complaint, Osmeña vehemently denied that he was a part owner of the alleged illegal business.

Nalzaro's actuation, he alleged, was punishable under Section 4 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act in relation to Article 355 (libel) of the Revised Penal Code.

“I have been striving to keep my name untarnished for the past 30 years. As a private citizen, I believe it is my right not to be maligned in public by media personalities like Bobby Nalzaro,” Osmeña's complaint read.

NALZARO