The Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office has dismissed Atong Ang's complaints against whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan and a certain Alan Bantiles.
According to the court, the complaints for robbery with violence or intimidation, grave threats, grave coercion, slander, and cyber libel were junked due to lack of necessary factual details and sufficient proof to establish the alleged crimes.
"It also fails to meet the standard of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction required before a case can move forward to prosecution. Without such foundation, the libel charge cannot be upheld without turning the prosecutorial process into mere speculation," the 19-page resolution dated Sept. 30 read.
Ang alleged that Patidongan and Bantiles attempted to extort P300 million from him. However, prosecutors said that the call logs between Ang and Bantiles showed that calls were initiated by the businessman.
"The documented pattern shows complainant initiating contact whit his supposed extortionists, suggesting a willingness or an initiative, inconsistent with a victim's reaction to coercion," it stated, according to a GMA News report.
The court also noted Ang's admission of making campaign contributions to Patidongan's run for mayor.
"It would be difficult to reconcile how complainant, a seasoned businessman of considerable resources and influence, would still choose to fund the very person allegedly orchestrating a criminal scheme against him devoid of any...
Due to regulatory changes and government enforcement priorities, D&O claims are shifting, while competitive pressures and evolving industry standards add layers of complexity. Understanding th...