KALIBO, Aklan – Aklan Regional Trial Court Judge Arville Delgado has acquitted broadcast journalist Jonathan Cabrera of Radyo Todo Aklan on charges of libel filed by a government employee.
In a 10-page decision released on March 27, 2025, Judge Delgado ruled that Cabrera’s comments, made during a February 9, 2019 radio broadcast, were not intended to defame the complainant, Weena Suzanne Igtanloc, an employee of the Aklan Provincial Hospital’s blood bank.
Cabrera had been accused of libel for criticizing Igtanloc’s behavior on his radio program. He claimed his comments stemmed from his disappointment with the blood bank staff’s alleged arrogance and rudeness towards a media reporter seeking information.
The court acknowledged that the complainant was on duty as a medical technologist at the public hospital, making her a government official.
In his decision, Judge Delgado cited existing jurisprudence, stating that offensive remarks directed at public officials do not constitute libel if they relate to the performance of their official duties.
Judge Delgado found that Cabrera’s criticism focused on her conduct in her official capacity, not on her personal character.
The court highlighted that Cabrera had provided Igtanloc with ample airtime to defend herself and address her grievances, demonstrating that his intent was not to damage her reputation.
Judge Delgado also noted that the prosecution failed to establish malice on Cabrera’s part. The court emphasized that Cabrera had no prior relationship with the complainant and did not know her name before the incident.
Cabrera expressed his gratitude for the court’s decision, and even though he was acquitted, he apologized to Igtanloc and her family.
“I am happy with the court’s decision and grateful to God. He knows I had no bad intentions, but only to serve as the voice of the people,” Cabrera stated./PN
