The misunderstanding between Richard Gutierrez and PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) melted away last Tuesday, February 9, after the two parties finally made peace in the presence of Sec. Agnes Devanadera at the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) in Manila.

After editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon formally read PEP's statement of apology, Richard Gutierrez withdrew his 25-million libel suit.

The actor was smiling when he talked to the press and media people, "Gumaan ang loob ko dahil tapos na rin ito," Richard told Gorgy Rulla of Startalk. "It has come to an end peacefully and parang nahanap ko rin sa puso ko iyong patawad, ang sarap sa pakiramdam. Tuloy na ang relationship namin ng PEP once again kasi, ever since before naman, mabuti naman iyong relationship namin with PEP until this happened."

"This" pertained to a report about his alleged "heated altercation" with Michael Flores, which was inadvertently uploaded on the website last March 30, 2009.

PEP editors were equally glad that Richard accepted their apologies.

Managing editor Karen Pagsolingan said, "I'm very happy. I never had anything against the Gutierrez family, so when the libel case was filed, it became quite difficult—and at some point, awkward—whenever we were in the same room with the people whom we used to consider as part of the PEP family. I also felt very relieved, because it's hard to move when there's a 25-million libel case attached to your name. Showbiz is such a small, small world. Thank God, lahat masaya na ngayon!"

Ms. Maglipon echoed the feeling, "On a personal level, I feel at peace. Showbiz is a very small community. Though you will not compromise your coverage by saying good things about people you don't really want to say good things about, in this case, PEP made a mistake, and it has chosen to correct itself—again. It's the right thing to do, and I hope that the showbiz community appreciates that."

After the two shook hands, Sec. Devanadera, who headed the peacemaking process, heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Tapos na. They just did a peace pact, that's what I call it. We always would want parties to enter the peace pact."

RICHARD'S PARENTS RESPOND. Annabelle Rama, who was present at the DOJ meeting, was also elated. "Masayang-masaya ako," she told Gorgy Rula of Startalk. "At least iyong wish ko sa kanya [tRichard] noong birthday niya, natupad. Sabi ko sa birthday niya, sana lahat ng problema niya matapos ngayong 2010. Maraming-maraming salamat, at least natapos na iyong problema ng anak ko."

Is the feud between PEP and the Gutierrez family truly over?

Richard's mom answered, "Oo naman. Kasi naman nakita ko iyong sincerity ni Jo-Ann sa pag-apologize niya. Galing sa puso, kaya alam mo naman ako, kapag nagso-sorry, okay na sa akin. Hindi ako nagtatanim ng galit."

After that day, the friendship between the two ladies is expected to be, in Annabelle's words, "back to normal."

"Kasi pag bumati ako ng isang tao, pag bati-bati na, wala na iyong sama ng loob," she explained. "Tsismisan kami ulit sa telepono."

Eddie Gutierrez was glad about the outcome of his son's case, and lauded Ms. Maglipon for coming up with a touching personal note. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)

"Masayang masaya ako dahil it's over, at ang ganda naman ng pagka-apologize ng PEP at ni Jo-Ann, at talaga namang magkabigan kami noong araw pa. Wala naman kaming problema sa isa't isa. We were always a very happy group."