Cyberbaguioboy

A Manila trial court orders the arrest of the Philippine Daily Inquirer publisher, editors and columnist. This is relates to a libel case filed by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, according to an INQUIRER.net breaking story.

Philippines — A Manila trial court judge on Monday ordered the arrest of the publisher, editors and columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net, in connection with a libel case filed by presidential spouse Jose Miguel Arroyo.

Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Virgilio Alameda issued a warrant for the arrest of Ordered arrested are publisher Isagani Yambot, columnist Ramon Tulfo, editors Letty-Jimenez-Magsanoc, editor-in-chief; Jose Ma. Nolasco, managing editor; Abelardo Ulanday, associate editor; Rosario Garcellano, associate editor for readership; Artemio Engracia Jr, news editor; Jorge Aruta, opinion editor; Pergentino Bandayrel Jr, national editor and Juan Sarmiento Jr, senior desk editor.

The five-count libel suit stemmed a series of columns written by Tulfo alleging Mr. Arroyo was a protector of smugglers, particularly of siblings Vicky and Tom Toh.

Arroyo has filed libel cases against close to 50 journalists in the Philippines, including editors of the Newsbreak magazine.

Here’s an interesting take on the issue from Inside PCIJ.