Cyberlibel raps filed anew vs Barzaga

MANILA, Philippines —  Expelled Cavite congressman Kiko Barzaga is facing another case of cyberlibel before a Manila court over a Facebook post in January allegedly containing defamatory remarks against Rep. Rolando Valeriano.

The complaint has been filed by the city prosecutor’s office before the Manila Regional Trial Court.

Barzaga is accused of violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 in relation to libel under Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code.

Barzaga alleged that members of the National Unity Party (NUP), including Valeriano, received bribes in exchange for supporting former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

Barzaga was also a member of the NUP.

The city prosecutor’s office said that Barzaga’s Facebook post was disseminated and republished by various online news outlets.

“There is reasonable certainty of conviction of the respondent when the case is tried in court, based on the available evidence at hand,” the prosecutor’s office said.

Valeriano, representative of Manila’s Second District, welcomed the filing of the case, stressing that he pursued the complaint to uphold accountability.

“Each Filipino is free to express opinion and criticize officials of the government, but no one has the right to throw allegations without evidence and cause damage to the integrity of another person,” Valeriano said.

“Social media is not a license to defame. If there is evidence, release it. If not, there is accountability under the law,” he added.

The prosecutor’s office recommended bail of P10,000 for Barzaga’s temporary liberty.

In April, a Makati court ordered the arrest of Barzaga on charges of cyberlibel. He was released after posting P384,000 in bail.