BACOLOD City Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. on Friday, May 5, said there is nothing libelous in his statements against Councilor Caesar Distrito.
This was Gamboa’s reaction after Distrito said that he is studying a legal option that will involve the filing of libel case against Gamboa.
“I am just performing my legal, social, and moral duty as a legislator. There is no malice. It is my duty to preserve the integrity, and maintain decency and honesty in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) against legislative and intellectual dishonesty,” Gamboa said.
Gamboa had earlier accused Distrito of “dishonesty, cheating, and stealing” ideas and achievements and grabbing credit from other people’s hard work.
The issue started after Distrito authored the “Revised Ordinance Regulating the Use and Sale of Electronic Cigarettes in Public Places, including Public Conveyances, Advertisements and Promotions of E-Cigarettes and Providing Penalties Thereof.”
The proposed ordinance, which Gamboa said originated from his own ordinance, was passed on second reading during the regular session on April 26 despite his request to defer the discussion.
Distrito had earlier said that under Section 175 of Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, the works of the government, laws, ordinances, debates, and deliberations in local legislative body are not covered.
“So what is his basis that I’m stealing his idea when in fact, the law states that laws and ordinances are not covered by the protection of the law?” he asked.
Distrito said laws and ordinances are public records and it can be copied.
“I never claimed ownership of my ordinance neither did I invoke the issue of Intellectual Property Rights or the Copyright Law,” Gamboa said.
“What I said was dishonesty, cheating, stealing of ideas and achievements, and grabbing credit from other people’s hard work is considered an act of thievery although not a crime. It is, however, a misconduct (involving) legislative and intellectual dishonesty,” he said.
Gamboa added that Distrito can be guilty of the violation of Code of Professional Responsibility on dishonesty, immoral and deceitful conduct which is subject to disbarment.
