Earlier this week, broadcaster Erwin Tulfo filed a PHP12 million libel suit against the Philippine Daily Inquirer for publishing a story linking him to alleged media payoffs in 2009. The issue is part of the currenly unfolding National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) controversy.
Tulfo had named as respondents Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, managing editor Jose Ma. Nolasco, news editor Artemio Engracia, and news reporter Nancy Carvajal.
The Inquirer has issued the following statement in reaction to Tufo’s libel charge:
“The Inquirer stands by its story. We published the newsstory after careful investigation by our reporters and editors. It is fully supported by the statements of two witnesses and a paper trail showing that actual payment transpired. In investigating and exposing the pork barrel scam, the Inquirer is motivated only by its commitment to report the truth to the Filipino people for the common good and the welfare of the nation.”
RELATED: Erwin Tulfo files PHP12million libel suit vs Inquirer
