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Hon. Gapi Shows Up For Slander Lawsuit
posted (May 7, 2015)
Deputy PM Gaspar Vega is suing his political opponent - slash - accuser Ramon Cervantez Jr for libel - but as we told you earlier this week he doesn't want to have to appear in court for all the adjournments. But he did appear today for a case management conference - and it was agreed that at the next court date, the lawsuit against his political opponent, Ramon Cervantes Jr., will have its full day of arguments. That's the outcome of today's case management conference.

That will be on July 23 and 24, when Vega's attorney will argue why the phone call released by Ramon Cervantes accusing Vega of a murder conspiracy was slanderous.

So that will play out in 10 weeks - and Vega will have to be in court - which he says he has no problem with because he and his attorney say that the other side gave us the wrong impression about his willingness to appear:

Daniel Ortiz
"Can we ask you about what's the outcome of this morning's hearing?"

Hon. Gaspar Vega
"We will be having the case on the 23rd and 24th July."

Daniel Ortiz
"Our understanding was that you intended to excuse yourself by other means to have someone else."

Rodwell Williams, SC - attorney for Hon. Gaspar Vega
"No. you had it wrong in your last report. Not so at all."

Daniel Ortiz
"Explain to us."

Rodwell Williams, SC - attorney for Hon. Gaspar Vega
"We saw to amend to aver that the offending words were not only broadcast over the radio station, but also over a public announcement system at the forum at Mamayal Farm to people who were in attendance. While at the same time over the air - that's basically it."

Daniel Ortiz
"What will be the effect of that sir?"

Rodwell Williams, SC - attorney for Hon. Gaspar Vega
"Well, that's simply to say that it was made at the same time in both mediums and the judge felt that as it stands, it covered it. So that amendment was not allowed because as it stands, it covers the nature of the case already that over the air and the evidence indicate also at the forum. So, there is no need for the amendment then."

Daniel Ortiz
"The interpretation your client gave us the last time was that Mr. Vega was trying to craftily excuse himself from the case, but he and his attorney just said that the record was wrong. Can you explain for us what is the effect from a legal perspective?"

Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Attorney for the Cervantes Family
"Well the point is that at the last hearing Mr. Vega did not show up and the judge made some comments about that, that all parties should be present at every stage of the proceedings. Well, today we notice he showed up right?"

Daniel Ortiz
"If indeed the court decides that indeed you did say certain disparaging comments and that they ought not to have been said. Are you prepared to retract?"

Ramon "Monchie" Cervantez, Respondent in Defamation Suit
"I have never said any disparaging comments about Mr. Vega."

Daniel Ortiz
"But indeed the court rules that way."

Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Attorney for the Cervantes Family
"The point is you are asking a hypothetical question. Cleary, whatever the court rules we as law abiding people, will comply with the court ruling."

Daniel Ortiz
"So, what's the next step at this time sir?"

Rodwell Williams, SC - attorney for Hon. Gaspar Vega
"Trial, 23rd and 24th July."

Daniel Ortiz
"Are both parties sticking to their positions?"

Rodwell Williams, SC - attorney for Hon. Gaspar Vega
"Well, we are certainly insisting that we proceed with the trial."

Reporter
"Mr. Vega, since the recording has been released, since then until now, how has it affected your professionalism and your character?"

Hon. Gaspar Vega
"I've maintained calm. I know that the truth will prevail and there is only one God and he knows everything."

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