By Noel Sales Barcelona
Contributor

The head of Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) filed today a motion to quash the libel case against him.

Courage President Ferdinand Gaite has been charged with libel by Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Winston Garcia.

The case stemmed from news items published in two national dailies, the former Today, and The Manila Times in 2004, regarding the alleged irregularities within the GSIS. Gaite then criticized the alleged mismanagement and corruption.

Courage said the case was junked in 2005 but has been resurrected this year.

Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112 is hearing the case.

Gaite gained temporary freedom after posting a P10,000 (US$214.65, based in the exchange rate of P48.58:$1) bail, excluding the P500 ($10.73) filing fee, Sept. 2.

Mupas set another hearing on Oct. 3 at 8:30 a.m. (Bulatlat)