Claudine Barretto seeks cyberlibel case vs Cristy Fermin, Romel Chika

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Claudine Barretto is set to file a cyberlibel complaint against showbiz commentators Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday, October 20, over their alleged remarks about her.

During the live broadcast of “Kalurks” on Sunday, October 18, co-host DJ Jhai Ho read Claudine’s statement announcing her plan to pursue legal action against the two commentators.

Among the remarks that reportedly prompted the actress to take legal action were claims concerning her alleged bipolar disorder, financial dependence on her sister Gretchen Barretto and hospitalization for cosmetic surgery.

According to the statement read on the program, Claudine had repeatedly asked Cristy to stop making remarks about her, but the requests allegedly went unheeded.

The actress said she was left with no choice but to seek legal recourse.

“She leaves me with no option. Hindi ko siya uurungan kahit na makiusap pa siya,” Claudine said in the statement.

“Kalurks” also showed a copy of the “Final Demand to Cease and Desist” letter sent by Claudine’s legal counsel, Atty. Lance Abraham Mateo of Canero, Manalo, Mateo & Partners Law Office, to Cristy and Romel.

The letter alleged that a video uploaded to Cristy’s YouTube profile contained remarks about Claudine that were “untruthful, scandalous, and damaging” to the actress’ reputation.

It further demanded that the two commentators cease and desist from making similar statements.

“This is a formal and final notice of demand that you CEASE AND DESIST from further harassing our client, and making untruthful, scandalous, and damaging remarks regarding her,” the letter stated.

The document ended with the emphatic phrase “FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE COMPLIANCE.”

Meanwhile, Cristy responded to Claudine’s planned legal action in a report by Jojo Gabinete’s “Cabinet Files” on Sunday night.

Cristy questioned the reason for the complaint and challenged the actress to proceed with her plan to take the matter to court.

“Sa anong dahilan naman daw? Subukan niya! Lahat na lang idedemanda niya? Dami niyang ginawang kalokohan na pwedeng lumabas kapag ginawa niya ’yan,” Cristy said.

“Okay, see her in court na lang. Kalokah siya!” she added.

As of this writing, the planned complaint had yet to be confirmed as formally filed.

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