Bea Alonzo has taken legal action by filing three separate criminal cases for cyber libel at the Quezon City Prosecutors Office against several showbiz columnists and online hosts, including Cristy Fermin and Ogie Diaz, along with their co-hosts on their respective online programs. Also included in the complaint is an online basher who pretended to be close to Bea.
According to Bea’s complaint affidavit, she became a victim of false, malicious, and defamatory information spread by the individual pretending to be close to her, which was then published and discussed on Fermin and Diaz’s online shows without any basis. This includes what she alleges to be a series of attacks against her in their columns and shows. Among these attacks is the issue regarding her alleged failure to pay the correct taxes.
Assisting Bea in this legal pursuit is her lawyer, Atty. Joey Garcia, and her manager, Shirley Kuan.
Cyber libel is a serious offense, especially in the age of social media where information can spread rapidly and have far-reaching consequences. It involves the publication of defamatory material online, which can cause harm to an individual’s reputation and livelihood. Bea’s decision to pursue legal action underscores her commitment to protecting her integrity and standing up against false accusations and malicious intent.
It’s important to note that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it also comes with responsibilities. Journalists, columnists, and online hosts must ensure that the information they disseminate is accurate and not intended to harm others. Failure to uphold this responsibility can lead to legal repercussions, as is the case with the allegations made against Fermin, Diaz, and others.
As this case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the legal system addresses the complexities of cyber libel in the context of the entertainment industry and online media. Bea’s courage in taking a stand against what she perceives as injustice serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their status, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.