Walden Bello arrested over cyberlibel case filed by ex-Davao City info officer

Former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello (Photo from his Facebook page)

UPDATED MANILA, Philippines — Former vice presidential candidate Walden Bello was arrested by the Quezon City Police on Monday due to a cyber libel case.

This was confirmed by his staff to reporters on Monday afternoon, stemming from a cyber libel case filed by former Davao City Information Officer Jefry Tupas against Bello.

A seven-page resolution dated June 9 indicted the former lawmaker for violation of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Bello’s staff said the politician was brought to the QCPD station 8, and will soon post bail for his temporary liberty.

However, they learned that the former solon would soon be transferred to Camp Karingal for booking after the routine medical checkup.

Labor leader and Bello’s running mate in the 2022 national elections, Leody de Guzman also went to the police station upon learning of Bello’s arrest, his own staff said.

According to the QCPD Director Remus Medina, Bello was arrested at 5:00 p.m Monday, in his own home in Quezon City.

He was arrested following a warrant issued by a Davao City prosecutor for two counts of  violations for Republic Act 10175 or CyberCrime Prevention Act of 2012 with a recommended bail of P48,000 each.

“Ang hukumang pinagmulan ng utos ng pagdakip ay aabisuhan sa pagkaaresto ng akusado,” said Medina in a statement.

(The court origin of the order of arrest shall be notified upon the arrest of the accused.)

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EDV