The City Prosecution Office in Dagupan City has dismissed cyberlibel, slander, and other related charges against former Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia and radio personality Violy Valdez Ferrer. The decision was reached on March 31 but was only communicated to the involved parties recently.
Prosecutor Victoria Datuin-Cabrera stated that the case, filed by local vlogger Jaime Aquino, lacked merit. The charges stemmed from de Venecia sharing a social media post from Aksyon Radyo that included a certificate from the Ombudsman clearing him of plunder allegations.
The resolution clarified that personal liability for cyberlibel typically rests with the original author of the content. Since de Venecia did not create or control the Facebook post, he could not be held liable.
Legal Findings
The prosecution also addressed additional charges of perjury and obstruction of justice against de Venecia, emphasizing that there was no evidence of false statements that could constitute a crime. The resolution highlighted that differing interpretations of an Ombudsman clearance versus status do not amount to criminal conduct.
Contempt and Threats
Aquino’s charges against Ferrer included claims that she made threatening remarks during her radio program, which he alleged were grave threats. However, the prosecution described her statements as vague and conditional, further weakening Aquino's case.
The prosecution noted, 'The statement is vague and conditional.'
City Prosecution Office
The dismissal of these charges highlights an ongoing discourse regarding the application of cyberlibel laws in the Philippines, especially concerning public figures and their interactions with media.