DOJ eyes cyber libel raps vs Manibela chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of cyber libel charges against transport group Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena.

This stemmed from complaints filed by Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista after Valbuena linked him to alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In a 17-page resolution dated Feb. 22 and released on Thursday, Assistant Prosecutor Maria Kirsthina Paat-Salumbides recommended the filing of two counts of cyber libel against Valbuena.

The case arose from Valbuena’s statements where he claimed that bribe money was “being brought to Bautista for delivery to Malacañang and two members of Congress.”

Valbuena’s comments came amid the allegations of corruption made by a former LTFRB executive assistant who later recanted his accusations.

The DOJ said Valbuena’s statements qualify as libelous.

“The words used are libelous because this is a malicious imputation of a criminal act… which tends to cause dishonor, discredit and contempt of the complainant,” the resolution read.

The DOJ noted that the case also qualified under the Cybercrime Prevention Act as the statement was published on television, on the internet and on social media platforms.

However, the grave threat charges filed against Valbuena were dismissed due “to lack of probable cause.”

The charges of grave threat were filed by Bautista, citing a Facebook live video where Valbuena allegedly threatened him with bodily harm when Valbuena allegedly uttered, “we will run you over with our jeepneys.”

After a careful review of the alleged statement made by Valbuena, the DOJ said the “threatening statement is not a threat but more of a query or challenge to the complainant.”