DOJ junks cyber libel charges vs 4 Makabayan members

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed cyber libel charges against four current and former Makabayan lawmakers filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

In a six-page resolution dated May 12 but released to media yesterday, state prosecutors junked the complaints against former Bayan Muna party-list representative Carlos Zarate, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and former Gabriela lawmakers Luzviminda Ilagan and Liza Maza for “lack of merit” over what the CIDG claimed were defamatory and libelous statements against the police.

The CIDG filed the complaint in November last year when the Makabayan leaders accused the Philippine National Police of red-baiting and planting evidence against Lourdes Bulan – who was arrested in Iligan City on allegations of murder – and for branding her as a Communist Party of the Philippines leader.

Zarate welcomed the DOJ’s decision, branding the complaint as a lawsuit intended to “harass” members of progressive groups.

“In this time of severe crisis, why can’t the police use their time and resources instead to run after syndicates and cartels that caused the spike in basic necessities like sugar, salt, rice, and even oil and power? Or by seriously going after the corrupt government officials and employees, the drug lords and other criminal syndicates that prey on our suffering poor people?’” Zarate said in a statement.