Lapu-Lapu consultant files libel raps vs Cebu City exec

CEBU, Philippines - A consultant of the Lapu-Lapu City government has filed a case against a Cebu City Hall official for allegedly violating the anti-cybercrime law by posting an alleged malicious Facebook post.

Balbino Guerrero, Lapu-Lapu City tourism consultant, said Aniceto “Abbey” Canturias, director of the Cebu City Economic Enterprise and Investment Management Office, falsely accused him of receiving money from political group Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan for the sale of a politics-themed Facebook page, which he co-manages.

Guerrero, who is also a professional tour guide, accuses Canturias of violating the Libel law in the Revised Penal Code and for section 4 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Canturias, on February 2016, posted on his Facebook account that Guerrero's FB Page "Maghisgot Kita'g Politika Bay" was sold to BOPK for P1.5 million.

The post received several reactions from Canturias' friends, which Guerrero claims to have degraded his integrity and reputation. Canturias also posted several other statements on Facebook related to Guerrero.

The FB page, co-administered by Guerrero and columnist Emmanuel Mongaya, has more than 11,000 likes or the number of persons who can view any post of the page.

"As much as I wanted to let malicious imputations committed by the respondent against me to pass by, this should not be the case. If he is not taught a lesson to be more responsible citizen in respecting other people's honor and dignity, then I am one person to be blamed," reads Guerrero's complaint prepared by lawyer Je Norhayneee Krystel Lee. 

"His public malicious and degrading imputation of me as a money-faced person, stupid, and without principles has caused me mental anguish, anxiety, sleepless nights, wounded feelings, and besmirched reputation," added Guerrero in the 15-page case filed at the Cebu City Prosecutors Office last April 28, a copy of which was furnished to The FREEMAN.

Canturias is an appointed official of incumbent Mayor Mike Rama, who is being challenged by former Mayor Tomas Osmeña, the founder of the BOPK.

Sought for comment, Canturias said he has not received any copy of the complaint yet.

"Wala koy nadawat ug wala koy nabasahan. Dili lang usa ko mo-comment," he said, adding he will answer the complaint in the right forum. — (FREEMAN)