ENERGY Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Friday (24 June) executed an affidavit of desistance with the Taguig City’s Prosecutor Office to withdraw the separate libel and cyber libel complaints filed last November against seven news organizations, including the BusinessMirror, that published stories about the Malampaya deal.
“Despite the hurt feelings and damage done to my name, a deeper reflection on what has transpired has led to the realization that the many interactions with the respondents have undeniably resulted in the forging of valued friendships and professional relationships. The filing of cases was precisely brought about by the hurt feelings from unverified actions or words,” Cusi said in his affidavit of desistance.
The announcement of the affidavit oif desistance filing was posted in the Department of Energy website.
The DOE press statement quoted Cusi as adding, “However, in the interest of preserving what can be saved these valued relationships, I am therefore executing this affidavit of desistance to move forward from the unfortunate events by sparing everyone from the rigors of prosecuting and defending criminal cases.”
Besides BusinessMirror, the respondents were ABS-CBN Corporation, BusinessWorld Publishing, GMA News Media, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, Philstar Global Corporation, and Rappler.
The BusinessMirror staff whom Cusi sued were the company’s president Benjamin Ramos, editor-in-chief Lourdes M. Fernandez, and reporters Lenie Lectura and Samuel Medenilla.