Luis Beltran; Philippine Journalist Sued by Aquino

Luis Beltran, 58, one of the Philippines’ best-known journalists, who was sued for libel by former President Corazon Aquino. Beltran was among thousands of journalists, politicians and others arrested in 1972 when the late President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law. Beltran was freed six months later. He wrote in the Philippine Star in 1987 that Aquino had “hidden under her bed” during a coup attempt. She sued him for libel and he was convicted. An appeal was pending. Beltran was a journalism teacher, dean of students and acting chancellor for student affairs at the University of the Philippines. He also wrote columns for the Star and the Manila Standard and was host of a popular television talk show. On Tuesday in Manila, apparently of a heart attack.