^

Headlines

DOJ indicts former Top Gear Philippines editor-in-chief for cyber libel

Kristine Joy Patag - Philstar.com
March 7, 2018 | 11:41am
DOJ indicts former Top Gear Philippines editor-in-chief for cyber libel

Vernon Sarne, former editor of Top Gear Philippines, is facing a cyberlibel charge over a Facebook post in 2016. File

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice charged a former editor-in-chief of Top Gear Philippines for cyber libel for falsely identifying a man as the suspect in a 2016 gun shooting incident in a Facebook post.
 
In an eight-page resolution, Assistant State Prosecutor Alejandro Daguiso indicted Vernon Sarne for violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
 
The DOJ was acting on a complaint filed by Nestor Punzalan, who was wrongly tagged by Top Gear Philippines in a Facebook post as the man who gunned down cyclist Mark Vincent Geralde.
 
Sarne was then the editor-in-chief of Top Gear Philippines but he has resigned months following the incident.
 
The DOJ noted that the Facebook post "allegedly subjected complainant and his wife to public ridicule, trauma, shame, casting dishonor, discredit and contempt."
 
Sarne said in his defense that the complaint against him should be dropped as "there was no defamatory text in the subject post" and "there was no malice on his part."
 
In resolving the case, the DOJ said that "after evaluation of records and evidence adduced, the undersigned investigating prosecutor finds probable cause to indict respondent."
 
He also noted that Sarne admitted to posting the complainant's photo and assumed full responsibility.
 
The DOJ also noted that all elements of libel committed through a computer system was present in the case.
 
Authorities later identified ex-Army reservist Vhon Tanto as the person behind the shooting incident.
 
The cyber libel complaint against other editorial staff of Top Gear Philippines was dropped by the Justice department due to lack of probable cause.

CYBER LIBEL

TOP GEAR PHILIPPINES
Philstar
  • Latest
  • Trending
Trending
Latest
Trending
abtest
abtest
Marcos issues EO to enforce free trade deal with South Korea

Marcos issues EO to enforce free trade deal with South Korea

By Kristine Daguno-Bersamina | 13 hours ago
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order, putting into effect the Philippines’ tariff schedule...
Headlines
fbtw
Supreme Court in 2024: Landmark rulings that shaped jurisprudence

Supreme Court in 2024: Landmark rulings that shaped jurisprudence

By Ian Laqui | 13 hours ago
From red-tagging to pre-marital pregnancy: Here are the key Supreme Court precedent-setting rulings over the past year.
Headlines
fbtw
Firecracker injuries reach 101, with 5 amputations

Firecracker injuries reach 101, with 5 amputations

By Rhodina Villanueva | 1 day ago
Cases of firecracker-related injuries rose to 101 after 32 new cases were recorded nationwide, according to the Department...
Headlines
fbtw
DA urges consumers: Buy local fruits

DA urges consumers: Buy local fruits

By Bella Cariaso | 1 day ago
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging consumers to prioritize local fruits instead of imported fruits to help farmers...
Headlines
fbtw

Admin bets leading Senate poll – SWS

By Janvic Mateo | 1 day ago
Pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) has confirmed the results of a commissioned survey showing administration candidates leading among those running in the 2025 senatorial elections.
Headlines
fbtw
Latest
abtest
27 of 28 LEDAC priority bills passed by House

27 of 28 LEDAC priority bills passed by House

By Jose Rodel Clapano | 4 hours ago
The House of Representatives has approved 27 of the 28 Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council priority bills,...
Headlines
fbtw

MBC calls for more transparency in 2025 budget

By Brix Lelis | 4 hours ago
The Makati Business Club sounded the alarm on adjustments to be made in the bicameral-approved budget next year, calling for a “more transparent and accountable process” before its final passage.
Headlines
fbtw
PAOCC set to unplug small-scale POGOs

PAOCC set to unplug small-scale POGOs

By Emmanuel Tupas | 4 hours ago
There are people behind Philippine offshore gaming operator hubs who continue to defy President Marcos’ ban on POGOs...
Headlines
fbtw
Marcos issues EO on free trade with South Korea

Marcos issues EO on free trade with South Korea

By Helen Flores | 4 hours ago
President Marcos has issued an executive order for the implementation of tariff commitments under the Philippines-South Korea...
Headlines
fbtw
Marcos seeks support for National Security Strategy

Marcos seeks support for National Security Strategy

By Helen Flores | 4 hours ago
President Marcos has issued an order directing government agencies to support the implementation of the 2024 National...
Headlines
fbtw
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with