The perception that special envoy and former Rep. John Orola Jr. has accepted the apology of former Games and Amusement Board Commissioner Alex Paglumotan may not exactly be correct, a press release from his office said yesterday.

During the rally of the Grupo Progreso with which Paglumotan is running for councilor in the May 2007, elections, video footage showed Paglumotan embracing Orola in what appeared to be a reconciliation between them. Paglumotan also declared later that he would apologize publicly during the Grupo Progreso's campaign sorties in the barangays, the press release said.

But Orola, who is the Special Tourism Envoy for North Asia, said that "In the spirit of the Lenten season an apology could be accepted if one is telling the truth." He said an apology is only acceptable if the one offering it is sincere and is telling the truth, the press release said.

He also said that, in principle, apologies are accepted, but the court case has to go on in order for the truth to prevail, the press release added. He added that libel and falsification is a crime against persons and therefore, against his family. The Orola family insists that Paglumotan shows his sincerity by having his apology printed in newspapers and issue a public apology through the broadcast media, and also publicly issue his mea culpas in the city's 62 barangays.

He should also tell the world whether there was a brain behind all his harangues in the last elections.

After the May 2004 election, Orola filed a libel and falsification case against Paglumotan before the MTCC Branch 5 and RTC Branch 49.

A hearing is scheduled on April 11, at 2 p.m. in the sala of Judge Remegio Rojo at MTCC Branch 5 this month, the press release further said.*

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AMANG launches campaign

Marcelino Arias, of AMANG Partlylist, was in Bacolod City and the neighboring municipalities and cities in Negros Occidental recently to campaign for his group.

AMANG stands for the Asosasyon ng mga Maliliit na Negosyanteng Gumaganap, a press release from the group said.

The Partylist is pushing for the over-the-counter loan windows in banks in the grant of loans, to do away with usury; financial assistance to small businesses; and to lower court fees, among others, the press release added.*

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