The husband of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyol, Jose Miguel Arroyo, Monday testified before a local court in Manila in a libel case he filed against the publisher of local daily Malaya.

In his testimony, Arroyo said an item in a 2004 column article by Amado Jake Mascasaet was "malicious" and "caused damaged to his reputation" by airing unfounded accusations against him.

In the Philippines, a person convicted of libel will be given jail sentences or heavy fines.

In the column "First Couple's Idea of Charity," Macasaet wrote about Arroyo's alleged failure to keep his word to give financial assistance to a sister of a member of the Presidential Security Guard (PSG) suffering from brain cancer.

In the column which was published months after the 2004 presidential election, Macasaet wrote: "The money never came. (Arroyo) would not even part with any amount for the sister of a PSG member. Politicians are the most charitable people on this planet while they are campaigning. After they win, they become tight-fisted."

In a recent hearing, the said member of the Presidential Security Guard, Freddie Juno, testified that Macasaet's column was inaccurate.

He told the court that the first gentleman donated money and sought financial support to his sister.

Mike Arroyo has filed libel suits against some 40 Filipino journalists.

Source: Xinhua