Palace Press Officer Files P500 Million Counterclaim Against Congressman
In a dramatic escalation of a legal feud, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Press Officer Claire Castro has demanded P500 million in damages from Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste. The claim centers on allegations that the congressman's actions have severely damaged her reputation and integrity as a Palace official.
Roots of the Conflict in Cyber Libel Allegations
The dispute originated from an internet post by Rep. Leviste, where he reportedly stated he had no obligation to compensate Castro for "sleepless nights and anxiety" caused by a cyber libel case she filed against him. However, he indicated a willingness to cover medical expenses if necessary. Castro's counterclaim argues that this response, along with the broader context of their legal battle, has harmed her professional standing, justifying the substantial financial demand.
Background: Civil Libel Complaint and Energy Sector Accusations
This latest development follows an earlier civil libel complaint lodged by Rep. Leviste against Castro. In that case, the congressman accused the PCO official of spreading false information about his business ventures in the energy sector. Specifically, Leviste alleged that Castro misrepresented the sale of the franchise for Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. (SPBC) as illegal, a claim his camp insists is baseless.
The legal clash continues to intensify, with both sides entrenched in their positions. As related cases remain pending, the outcome of this high-stakes counterclaim could set a significant precedent in defamation and reputation-related disputes among public figures.
