BAGUIO COUNCILOR SUES MAYOR MAGALONG FOR SLANDER, LIBEL

October 15, 2022 Headlines

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Councilor Mylen Yaranon, daughter of former mayor Braulio Yaranon, sued current mayor Benjamin Magalong for slander and libel over imputations of misdeeds which the former complained of destroying her reputation as a politician and a person. Yaranon based on her complaint-affidavit received by the Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, complained against Magalong’s
intentions to malign, destroy or injure her reputation via statements against her during the latter’s speech during the July 4, 2022 Flag Raising ceremony at the Baguio City Hall grounds.

Yaranon complained that she was accused of intentionally twisting facts and figures. She added that the
mayor said that she was “namumulitika” (politicking) and “namamangka sa dalawang ilog” (two-timer politician). An audio clip of Magalong’s statements went with her affidavit complaint. She also said that the mayor accused her of doing nothing when the architects she called to help in the rehabilitation of the Baguio City Public Market are allegedly “asking for” 10% of the total amount of the project.

In Magalong’s July 4 speech, he reportedly claimed that Yaranon of making unverified statements via an FB post against his administration over a development issue of an area. “Mayor Magalong clearly attacked and discredit my reputation not only as public official but also as a person. He insinuated that I am a person of no principle and a public official that is not doing anything on matters of public interests;…” Yaranon told in her complaint, while explaning that her facebook post only reflected her opinion and appreciation on the program of a former high official of the country.

She said she never mentioned the name of Magalong. “My post was never directed to any person, office or any agency.” Yaranon claimed that due to the statements of Magalong against her, she suffered from
moral damages, anxiety and depression and sleepless nights. She also said that she had to contract the services of a lawyer where she had to pay a large amount of money. Magalong, reached for comments about Yaranon’s complaint, has not responded as of press time.

Artemio A. Dumlao/ABN