Shipment docks at court

A Cabinet man told Nosy Tarsee that he would file a cyberlibel complaint on Friday in Makati City against a media outlet, one of its writers, and two executives over a report linking him to a contested import deal involving a shipment worth more than P300 million.

The official accused the outlet of misrepresenting his role in the transaction, insisting that the goods in question did not belong to the company associated with him. He said his office had moved to stop the deal, withdrawn the relevant clearances and coordinated with enforcement authorities before the shipment could enter the market.

He also said the supply contract had expired and argued that his leadership position at a foundation linked to a local firm did not establish personal ownership or control of the transaction.

The official said the complaint had already been drafted and expressed confidence in the case, declaring that the respondents had “no way out” and “won’t win this.”

He also suggested to Nosy Tarsee that the dispute could involve interests beyond the import deal, speculating that other parties might be supporting the criticism. However, he identified no alleged backer.

The allegations leave key questions unresolved, including who owned or controlled the shipment, the extent of the official’s authority over the transaction and whether the dispute stems solely from the report or reflects a broader conflict over the import trade.