DOJ recommends filing of cyber libel case vs Manibela head Valbuena

MANILA CITY, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of two counts of cyber libel case against a transport group leader for accusing Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista of involvement in the alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In a 17-page resolution, Assistant Prosecutor Maria Kristhina Paat-Salumbides said found probable cause has been established to warrant the filing of a case for two counts of violation of Article 355 in relation to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act 10175 or Cyber Crime Prevention Act against Manibela President Mar Valbuena.

However, the complaint for grave threat was dismissed.

The resolution was approved by Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento.

Allegations of corruption against Bautista came after a former executive assistant at the LTFRB revealed anomalies at the agency.

READ: Transport chief Bautista sues Manibela leader, journalist for cyber libel

The transportation chief was accused of taking an alleged multi-million peso bribe to secure approval of LTFRB franchises, especially for modern jeepneys.

“I cannot allow myself to be the subject of another’s desperate attempt to attain fame, especially when malicious, baseless, and untruthful statements are hurled against me, if only to put a blemish a blemish on my untarnished track record and reputation of excellence and integrity,” Bautista said.

In its resolution, the DOJ said what Valbuena uttered “are libelous because this is a malicious imputation of a criminal act punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws, such as Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), which tends to cause dishonor, discredit and contempt of the complainant.”

As to the element of publication, the DOJ held that evidence would show that the libelous statements of Valbuena during the interview were made public not only through television broadcasts but also through the internet.

On the complaint for grave threat, the DOJ said Valbuena’s interview where he uttered “sasagasaan ka naming ng jeep namin (we will run you over with our jeepneys)” does not appear to be a threat.

The DOJ said, “It is more of a query or challenge to the complainant.”