Belmonte files cyber libel rap vs Defensor

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has filed cyber libel charges against her challenger for the mayoralty post, Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Michael Defensor, over some of the claims he made on various online platforms.

“I am aware that there is a certain degree of freedom in criticizing public officials, and I have long been an advocate of free speech. In fact, I more than welcome both valid criticism in all forms,” Belmonte said.

“On the other hand, how can I protect the rights of QCitizens if I myself allow myself to be subjected to these malicious attacks? I have to stand for my own rights if I am to stand for the rights of our people. As a public official, I have a sworn duty to uphold the law,” she said.

The complaint stemmed from Defensor’s post alleging that Belmonte organized an “army” to take down his campaign materials, labeling the reelectionist mayor as “mapanghati, mapanira, kasuka-suka at kapit-tuko sa kapangyarihan (divisive, slanderous, sickening, and clinging tightly to power).”

Another post claimed that a Quezon City Hall employee will file a plunder case against Belmonte over an already debunked claim that the city government procured overpriced food packs distributed to those affected by the pandemic.

Belmonte described the social media posts as “libelous, malicious, false and fraudulent,” necessitating legal action.

“I don’t usually look at Facebook pages, especially if I know that they would be of no use or benefit. In truth, as soon as he decided to run for mayor, we already knew that he would engage in the kind of behavior he is now displaying,” she said, referring to Defensor.

“Sometime in early February, however, I was informed by a concerned citizen that his official posts were already libelous. When I finally read them, I confirmed that these were no longer acceptable nor tolerable, and legal lines were crossed,” she added.

Defensor dismissed the complaint as a “a cheap publicity gimmick,” describing it as “silly and futile.”

For his part, city legal officer Niño Casimiro agreed that Defensor’s posts have the elements of the crime of libel.

“There is an imputation of a crime, vice or defect in the posts; they were irresponsibly made public with unconscionable malice and with full knowledge that they are false; and were purposely made to cause the dishonor, discredit, and destroy the reputation of Mayor Joy Belmonte,” he said.