A court has reportedly dismissed the four cases filed by actress Sarah Lahbati’s parents, Esther and Abdel, against veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin and her co-hosts, Wendell Alvarez and Romel Chika. The cases, which included charges of cyber libel, harassment, defamation, and unjust vexation, were filed last March in response to comments made by Fermin and her co-hosts on their show, “Cristy Ferminute.”
During a recent episode of her show, Cristy Fermin expressed her happiness about the court’s decision. “Sa mga nagtatanong kung bakit po kami masaya ni Romel Chika at gusto rin naming isama sa aming kaligayahan si Wendell Alvarez, alam n’yo po ang kuwento ng aming buhay bilang mamahayag,” she said, highlighting the challenges they face as media personalities.
Fermin further explained that their work, especially in the world of showbiz reporting, often leads to legal troubles. “Apat na kaso po ang isinampa laban sa amin ng nanay at tatay nitong si Sarah Lahbati, ang mga kaso ay cyberlibel, harassment, defamation, at unjust vexation,” she shared. However, she noted that on Tuesday morning, they received a court resolution dismissing the cases due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
The official court decision reportedly stated: “Wherefore, premises considered, it is respectfully recommended that the complaints for cyberlibel, harassment, defamation, and unjust vexation filed against respondent Cristinelli Salazar Fermin, aka Cristy Fermin, Wendell Alvarez, and Romel Villamor, aka Romel Chika, be dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.”
Romel Chika also expressed his relief and gratitude for the court’s ruling. “‘Nay, dininig ang ating panalangin at least nawala na ang isa sa mga iniisip natin lagi-lagi, ay nababawasan na,” he said, sharing hopes that more positive developments would come in the future.
Despite the dismissal of the cases, Fermin and her co-hosts are still facing other legal challenges. Notably, actors Bea Alonzo, Dominic Roque, and Sharon Cuneta have filed separate cases against them. These pending cases, along with other ongoing showbiz controversies, continue to keep the spotlight on Fermin and her team.