Aftermath of the water-dousing incident last Dec. 8:
MANILA — Political activist Renato Constantino Jr. filed on Tuesday criminal charges against former Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Victor Agustin for “grave slander by deed and maltreatment by deed” after the two figured in an altercation during a media conference last month.
Describing Agustin’s act as “analogous to being slapped in public by a woman,” Constantino sought P5 million in damages from Agustin who doused him with cold water after the activist berated members of Congress holding a press conference on Charter change.
Agustin, who was suspended by the Inquirer for one month due to the incident, could not be reached for comment.
“After due preliminary investigation, this Honorable Office should find sufficient probable cause to warrant the filing of two separate criminal information to commence trial of respondent Agustin before the appropriate courts of Makati City for his palpable commission of… the crimes,” Constantino said in a complaint filed Tuesday afternoon before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
Constantino said Agustin, being a business columnist, was “terribly out of place” in the press conference where Charter change was discussed.
The incident, which was caught on video, took place on December 9 last year at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.
Inquirer publisher Isagani Yambot said Agustin, who was supposed to resume his business column “Cocktales” in the Inquirer’s Business section on January 13, had yet to formally quit the paper.
However, Yambot said Agustin was already considered resigned as his column, carrying the copyrighted trademark “Cocktales” and “cocktail glasses” illustration, had already come out in the Manila Standard Today’s Business section on January 12 and 17.
“I e-mailed him twice and called him twice but he didn’t answer,” Yambot said.
In his complaint, Constantino said Agustin committed slander by deed as Agustin’s act “cast dishonor, discredit and contempt” upon him.
“I have laboriously built over three decades of sacrifice and struggle a considerable reputation as an unrelenting civil libertarian and social activist which, with Agustin’s criminal act, was instantaneously demeaned and debased,” said Constantino. (Tarra Quismundo, Inquirer)
Aww!
Ellen, while I don’t believe that Constantino’s filing a case against Agustin is out of place, I question this basis:
““I have laboriously built over three decades of sacrifice and struggle a considerable reputation as an unrelenting civil libertarian and social activist which, with Agustin’s criminal act, was instantaneously demeaned and debased,” ”
In all honesty, a water slap ain’t gonna demean or debase three decades of struggle and labour just like that.
I would like to think that this more like a “spanking” on the part of RC. Those that are powerful, or feel that they are powerful, should be a taught a lesson or two that bullying is not accepted.
I agree, Anna. RC’s case against Agustin is weak. But I think that the filing of the case is better than doing nothing about bastos Agustin. Next time he’s overcome with anger, Agustin might think twice before throwing something at someone. Magastos at ubos-oras ang may kaso. This should taught A a simple lesson about arrogance.
When the group of journalists that included Ms. Ellen Tordesillas filed lawsuit against the most powerful crime lord of the nation Mike Arroyo, I presumed they knew there was guarantee that they would win the case. Even Ms. Tordesillas once argued that what matters most is not winning but to fight for what the group believe in. Kung ganoon, bakit po natin pupunahin ang demanda at kaso nina RC at Agustin?
Firstly, Constantino, I gather is NOT a journalist, 2nd Ellen and company’s suit is VS Arroyo, a big fish, third, nobody so far has disagreed with Constantino about filing a suit against Agustin.
Your comment is NOTED, Ms. de brux.
throwing a glass of water on someone else’s face calls for a duel among men, in the olden times. for women it is enough to rumble the other’s hair. today it is but natural to call for justice which only a court can give.
Tama po kayo, Ka Norpil. Pero sa mga civilized na tao, may kaunting decency din di ba? There are many ways to seek justice one of which is the court. And that’s what they did.
I agree with norpil. The WW1 was started because of a slap on the face. Whether the case is substantive let it prosper of fizzle, either way it will go.
Ay mali. Many ways to skin a cat not car. Kailan nagkaroon ng balat ang kotse? (ha, ha). Pero Ka Alitaptap, bihira ka man sumulat dito okay din ang mga contribution mo. Nabasa ko din ang mga opinion mo. Thanks and God bless.
I think the process should have been Constantino file a complaint to the Police Authorities and the Police with consultation and presentation of evidence to the State Prosecutors would decide to file or not to file Criminal Charges. In any case Constantino could file a Civil case Against Vic Agustin for Slander, violation of rights and can proceed with his Case separate from the State’s Criminal Case. I always believe that a criminal case is between the Republic of the Philippines vs. the Accused and the complainants are the material witnesses…
Anna,
It was not just water dousing this Agustin did. He did try to destroy the reputation of Constantino, who is a writer in his own right, and with a lousy and lazy police, court is the best place to seek redress in now crazy Philippines.
Yuko,
I don’t disagree that Constantino should and could file a lawsuit.
What I found a bit over the top is what I read, something that constitutes I suppose, or one of the bases why he’s filing the suit, the thing about 30 years of sacrifice – INSTANTANEOUSLY demeaned and debased by Agustin’s criminal act.
To me, he was giving Agustin so much credit, better to attack Agusting from another angle rather than through the “instantaneously” bit. But perhaps, he’s right if that’s how he really feels.
A dishonorable Agusting cannot INSTANTANEOUSLY demean and debase 3 decades of worthwhile endeavours by an honourable man
My view on Constantino is the same as ystakei accept that generally speaking people are so quick to file cases against each other, even when related to each other. Its seems that the art of talking out a disagreement is lost, although in the case of Vic Agustin he was given an opportunity to debate to make ammends with Constantino on television later, both being interviewed together, offered his hand to Constantino without words of meaningful apology. Just kept grinning constantly the whole interview, not a smart move when you’ve been caught doing wrong by television camera.
RC might just be sending a subliminal message to pinoys: don’t take abuses by bansot sitting down. DO something – toss flowers along the path of bansot.
flowers na maraming tinik, heheh!
I have deleted some comments that I feel would again start another personal feud here and divert the discussion from the issue in this thread. Please take note and refrain from commenting on other visitors style. If you don’t like him or her, ignore. Stick to issues.
alitaptap:
Is the “toss flowers along the path of bansot” a private joke or can we join in.
I hope people don’t forget that while those who were tricked into putting this nasty little bitch in her throne were partying over Erap’s “resignation”, RC and his Sanlakas, on the very next day unfurled a huge banner right in front of the stage where she was sworn in.
The banner said: “Erap’s ouster was the people’s will, But Gloria is not the people’s choice.” Flaglets and posters bearing the same message were all around the Metro in the days that followed. Almost nobody heeded him. Later, he was even removed as Sanlakas head.
RC had then just made a 100% accurate prophecy. He knows much back then what many today don’t.
Mandirigma:
Ayos na sana iyong skin a car—Kaya lang binago mo pa, binalatan mo tuloy iyong pusa ng buhay–cruelty to animal my friend.—Ha!ha1ha!ha!–Natatawa ako sa iyo noong sinabi mong may pilipit ang dila tapos ito na naman.Okey ka rin mag-joke.Ito na lang sa susunod kambing na lang at ako ang bahal sa inumin.Kumakain pa naman si Pare ko ng kare-kare sa Quezon baka nga pusa ang karne sa kare-kare niya. Joc-Joc bulante lang pare ko.Tumawa ka na–Ha!ha!ha! ha!ha!ha!.
we-will-never-learn Says:
alitaptap:
Is the “toss flowers along the path of bansot” a private joke or can we join in.
. . . . .
No such thing as a private joke, WWNL. Be my guest … chime in.
That incident between Constantino and Vic Agustin is only an ego between the two.Not much damages except a bill for a laundry.It is useless to persue a case spending a fortune in court expenses and in return only a spare change.My wish to both of them is settle their differences and be a good friend.
What’s so criminal about a glass of water that would equate to 5 million in damages?? What are the charges? Slander with the use of water?? Now, who is acting like a woman?
Nice to know more about RC, Tongue.
Pareng Cocoy,
Not even a laundry bill. Kayang kayang labhan ni RC ng Tide sa bahay.
But I think in filing the case against Vic Agustin, RC took the cue from the Philippine Daily Inquirer when it also filed a complaint against Manila Standard Today for using the logo Cocktales. As we read above, Vic Agustin, without making paalam just jumped over to MST bringing the logo with him while under PDI’s suspension. It’s a double whammy for the water thrower.
For one thing, that incident made RC quite a celebrity of sort. Pwede nang gawing pelikula: Tubig noon, bagyo ngayon.
Kahit criminal o civil, okey lang na idemanda ni Ginoong Renato Constantino iyong si victor agustin, kaysa gantihan lang niya ng saboy ng tubig, which the latter was strongly provoking RC to do to him when they were together in one ANC political talk shaw last December. It was in that same show that this character agustin, after failing to provoked RC in stooping down to his level, stupidly doused himself with a bottle full of distilled water. Ika nga, dahil sa kaistupiduhan na ginawa niya duon sa Dusit, lalo na lang nagpaka-istupido itong si agustin, and to think that he did it on national tv. Nasa Manila Standard na pala siya ngayon? Inilaglag kaya siya ng PDI o binigyan pa siya ng mas mataas na fee ng Manila Standard? 😉
# Ellen Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 7:33 am
I have deleted some comments that I feel would again start another personal feud here and divert the discussion from the issue in this thread. Please take note and refrain from commenting on other visitors style. If you don’t like him or her, ignore. Stick to issues.
O sino na naman ba nagbababag dito? Basta, wala lang sabuyan ng H2O hano po, sayang tubig…hehehe 😀
cocoy:
Pamilyar ka ba sa show ni Oscar Orbos at Winnie Monsod na “Mare at Pare”(DEBATE).
Ipagkumpara mo ang show nito sa The Jerry Springer Show at Mel and Joey.
Ano kaya kung maibalik ang Mel and Jay ?
Naalala ko nuon ng maging guest nilang dalawa sina Ping Lacson, Romeo Maganto, Juan Flavier at isang singer.
apoy:
“Now, who is acting like a woman?” Phew! Are you sure your serious with the wording of that question? If so thats a brave statement to make here in this blog. How does a woman act differently from men, just interested.
Off Topic:
A £2 coin will be issued next year to mark the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union between England and Scotland, Chancellor Gordon Brown has said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5083020.stm
pareng Joe;Akala ko kasi mabait itong si Vic Agustin,mabuti na lang sinabi mo ang pagkatao niya,Well,magkumpare tayo syempre whatever you say,agree ako sa iyo.
Nelbar: Sorry po at hindi ko pinapanood ang Mare at pare.Kahit na ang Wowowie ay hindi ko na pinanood noong lumabas na niraraket ang mga nanalo sa bigatin,Si Ace Vidanes ba iyon? nawalan na ako ng gana.Kaya nga mas maganda dito at kayo na lang ang babasahin ko.Pasyal ka doon sa kabila—Si Gloria ang issue– mahigit 400 na sabi ng mga nandoon aabutin daw ng isang milyon.
Nelbar
Allow me to answer your query to Pareng Cocoy. I hope I can fill in with the info I know about the shows. I’m afraid Pareng Cocoy doesn’t know or saw the shows you mentioned because it’s being broadcasted at GMA Channel 7. It’s mostly TFC in the states although GMA Channel 7 has followed suit lately.
We can’t compare Debate to Jerry Springer Show. The JS Show type can’t be shown in the Philippines because it’s too vulgar and violent at times. I think Jerry S is no longer around. Last time I saw him on TV is he was in the Dancing with the Stars and he’s too fat already.
Meantime, Debate is supposed to be a public service show always presenting two sides of the issue. Oscar Orbos is too tame a host, while Winnie Monsod has her mouthful on issues she’s siding with. Eventually, Ka Oca has been identified with the anti-GMA force. Medyo hindi na balanse although he tried very much to be in the middle.
Mel and Joey is a variety type show with Mel Tiangco and Joey de Leon.
Mel and Jay is the forerunner of Mel and Joey. Jay Sonza resigned from GMA TV and Radio when he run and lost for senator under the ticket of Sen. Raul Roco in 2004. Now, you can only read the byline of Jay Sonza at the Abante Tonite.
wwnl,
Who’s acting like a woman? RC..Did that answer your question??
Anna,
In the banana republic, a court battle is more exciting. I support Constantino. Anyone as brave and daring to fight the crooks, I support. Iyan ang lalaking may b-y-g!!! 😛 Dapat lang supalpalin niya iyong sipsip!
Alitaptap:
What kind of flowers? Garlic flowers to ward off evil? That I will do!
Kung puede pa nga prepare some metal stakes to stick into the heart of the vampires bleeding the Filipinos dry!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
ay, basta ako, i will not recognize and accept that trying hard copy cat!
tatarayan ko siya. sabay ingos, taas ng kilay with matching tulis ng lips.
hmpppt. tse!
Ah, Yuko, that’s always good reminder: in a banana republic!
garlic flowers? di ba sa mga manananggal iyan? samantalang siya ang dapat tanggalin.
Ngayon lang ako nakarinig ng garlic flowers. Ang alam ko lang mahilig sa ganyang bulaklak si Garlic Valenciano.
Bulaklak patay ang gagamitin kong pang-welcome sa Temporary Permanent President!
ipinapakita ng mga taga PNP sa isang rally dispersal kahapon malapit sa US Embassy ang kanilang primitibong pakikitungo sa mga raliyista.
kitang kita sa TV news na gustong agawin o hablutin pa ng isang pulis ang placard na hawak ng estudyante/kabataan sa rally kahapon.
mapapansin din na walang awang pinapalo at pinupukpok ng truncheon ng mga pulis ang hanay ng mga raliyista.
kung inyong matatandaan ang aftermath ng NATO bombing of Chinese embassy sa Belgrade noong 1999, dumagsa ang mga estudyante at kabataan sa US Embassy sa Beijing at malaya nilang ipinararating ang kanilang damdamin o saloobin. Ang mga pulis na nagbabantay sa paligid ng compound ng US embassy ay nakatayo lang maski na binabato ng mga raliyista ang nasabing compound.
Pero dito sa Maynila, sa “Malacañang by the Bay”, malapit sa Manila Bay – meron pang nakaumang na mga masing gan na pantapat sa mga terorista(kuno). At hindi lang yan, kumpleto pa ang kapulisan ng mga gear.
Isang pagpapatunay na sinauna pa ang training ng mga kapulisan dito sa Isla ng Pilipinas.
Re: “Pero dito sa Maynila, sa “Malacañang by the Bay”, malapit sa Manila Bay – meron pang nakaumang na mga masing gan na pantapat sa mga terorista(kuno).”
Let’s face it, Americans under Bush are suffering from the fear syndrome – they are some of the most targeted people outside of the US, and don’t really enjoy being loved by people from many nations in spite of Bush’s claim that Americans are the bestest, the nicesest, the mostest… heh!
Bush is one of the most hatd individuals in the world; he is a virtual prisoner of his own making; his own people – Americans, despise him. He can never ever ever do a fraction of what Tony Blair (hated as this fella might be) does, travelling, shaking hands with the public, walking around in public.
How can a leader pretend to be a good leader when he cannot even trust his own people?
nelbar Says: “Isang pagpapatunay na sinauna pa ang training ng mga kapulisan dito sa Isla ng Pilipinas.”
ganyan sila ipinasanay ng pansamantalang permanenteng prangulo (praning na pangulo) na ang tanging gusto ay pupurihin siya, papalakpakan at sasambahing animo’y banal sa kabutihan sa paglilingkod (pwe!!) sa taong bayan.
kita n’yo nga’t hindi na marunong kumilala ng walang laban ang mga supot na miyembro ng anti riot na ‘yan.
mabuhay ang pansamantalang permanenteng PRANGULO ng pilipinas!! mabuhay!!!