Razon sues Barzaga for cyber libel

MANILA, Philippines —  Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. has filed a cyber libel complaint against Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga for linking the businessman to corruption in Congress and bribery in last year’s midterm elections.

Razon, chairman of port giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. and hotel and casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp., has denied Barzaga’s accusations of him being “the mastermind behind the corruption in Congress,” and bribing members of the National Unity Party to secure support for former speaker Martin Romualdez.

Calling the “false and damaging allegations” implausible, Razon said Romualdez ran unopposed and won a supermajority of votes to be reelected speaker in 2025, making any alleged bribery unnecessary.

Razon said he has no role in congressional leadership contests and has no ability to influence lawmakers’ votes.

Citing harm to his reputation and emotional distress, Razon filed two counts of cyber libel against Barzaga before the Makati prosecutor’s office, seeking at least P100 million in moral damages and P10 million in exemplary damages.

Barzaga deleted the allegations he posted on Jan. 9 on Facebook.

Razon, however, said the posts have reached thousands of users and were seen by colleagues and staff.

The businessman also cited Barzaga’s use of the hashtag #IkulongSiRazon, or “Jail Razon.”

While the Constitution protects legislators from being sued over speeches made in Congress or its committees, Razon said Barzaga’s remarks were posted on a personal Facebook page and were not part of any legislative proceedings.