MANILA: The threat to sue an offshoot of Campaigns & Grey for a
series of pro-government advertising in the May senatorial elections
appear to be fizzling out.
The senators in the line-up fielded by disgraced former president Joseph
Estrada had threatened to sue Campaigns Advocacy and Public Relations
(CAPRI), which they claimed was behind television and print advertising
that maligned the opposition.
Juan Ponce Enrile, who supported plans to sue CAPRI and its chairman
Yolanda Villanueva Ong, lost his senate seat. Although former police
chief Panfilo Lacson and Gregorio Honasan won theirs, the pair are now
in hiding for their alleged roles in inciting violent anti-government
demonstrations last month.
CAPRI president Ramon Osorio said he had not been informed whether the
opposition camp will pursue legal action. In the run up to the May
elections, CAPRI released a television and print campaign, featuring
revealing news clips and direct quotes of political figures in
compromising political moments.
However, observers said the opposition's reaction was largely expected
because political advertising only made its comeback at the last
election, and candidates are not yet accustomed to attacks in print.
"This is the first time Filipinos saw political ads such as ours," said
Osorio.
