Toronto, Ontario
Balita’s Cusipag violates condition, senator alleges
By Ted Alcuitas
Less than a year after winning a $340,000 libel case against Balita publisher Tess Cusipag, Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. is claiming damages and wants Cusipag cited for contempt of court.
Balita is the leading and oldest Filipino newspaper among Toronto’s more than 15 print media. It was founded by the late activist Ruben Cusipag more than four decades ago and is now run by his widow, Tess Cusipag.
In a motion filed on February 13, 2017, Enverga is seeking among others, damages for $25,000 or alternatively, a prison term for Cusipag if she fails to comply with court orders.
The hearing is set for March 8, 2016 at 10 AM at 393 University Avenue.
Enverga alleges that Cusipag knowingly published articles damaging to Senator Enverga in clear violation of the permanent injunction in the libel case he won in September 2016.
In addition to Cusipag, Romeo P. Marquez and Carlos Padilla (now deceased) are also included as defendants in the contempt case.
Enverga cited evidence that emails were sent Cusipag to Senator Enverga’s colleagues – Senators Salma Ataullahjan, Ngo and the Speaker of the Senate.
An article by Philippine Canadian news.com on July 26, 2016 was included in the citation.
Cusipag is appealing the libel conviction.
A hearing is set for April 6, 2017.
(http://philippi.mywhc.ca/uncategorized/senator-enverga-wins-defamation-suit-against-balita/)
