By Marisol Bo-oc, Helen Castaño | 02:50 PM November 07, 2022
Dauis Vice Mayor Marietta Sumaylo on Friday filed oral defamation, grave slander and libel complaints against Mayor Roman Bullen for accusing her and her husband as drug lords.
Sumaylo, who filed her complaints before the Office of Ombudsman – Visayas , said Bullen made some “malicious imputations” that allegedly caused her “dishonor” and “discredited” her.
Sumaylo’s husband Josever, Liga ng mga Barangay-Dauis chapter president, also filed separate charges against Bullen.
She said her complaints stemmed from Bullen’s speech during the Oct. 10 flag-raising ceremony at the municipal hall grounds, while the libel complaint was for Bullen’s radio interview which was also live on Facebook.
Bullen was supposed to give his report on his 100 days in office. However, Bullen mentioned that the Sumaylos are included in the drug matrix of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Marietta said they suffered besmirched reputation, loss of appetite, deep offense of honor, sleepless nights, mental anguish and public ridicule.
Marietta filed a case of grave oral defamation, three counts of libel, and grave misconduct which is violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. She is seeking P40 million in moral damages and P4 million for exemplary damages.
On the other hand, Josever also filed similar complaints against Bullen to make a total of 10 counts. He seeks P20 million in moral damages and P2 million in exemplary damages.
“Medyo na huwasan, kay at least nakapahungaw ta sa atong kahiubos ug worry ilabi na sa atong mga anak nga maoy mapektuhan sa unsa man mga harassment nga himoon sa ubang tawo nato;” Marietta told reporters.
Bullen has yet to issue a statement on Sumaylos’ complaints against him.
But he previously said that he was willing to face any charges that would be filed against him after the same speech during the flag-raising ceremony, adding that the people need a clean government and that he was promoting good governance.
“Dauis will survive. I am clean, I am honest,” he said in his Oct. 10 speech.