(From left) Miel Pangilinan, Sharon Cuneta, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Cristy Fermin. Images: FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines – Veteran entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin was indicted on five counts of cyberlibel in a complaint filed by actress Sharon Cuneta and her husband, former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
The Makati Prosecutors Office approved filing the case against Fermin before the regional trial court.
“It is respectfully recommended that Cristinelli S. Fermin be indicted for five counts of libel under Article 355 of the RPC (Revised Penal Code) in relation to Section 4 (c)(4) of RA 10175, and the corresponding Information be filed in court,” read the resolution.
Section 4 (c)(4) of RA 10175 refers to the “unlawful or prohibited acts of libel as defined under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, committed through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future.”
Fermin was indicted due to six videos she uploaded on her YouTube channel, “Showbiz Now Na!,” including titles of “KC, dedma lang sa mga comments ni Mega!”, “KC, ayaw na ng drama! Mega, may favoritism!”, and “Palusot ni Sharon, buking!”
“[The] complainants assert that [the] respondent publicly discussed and criticized Sharon’s private life, such as her estranged relationship with her daughter, Maria Kristina Cassandra (“KC”), her alleged marital conflict with her husband, Kiko, and Kiko’s supposed participation in the rift between KC and his own daughters with Sharon,” the resolution read.
The prosecutor recommended a bail of P48,000 for every count of cyberlibel or a total of P240,000.
Cuneta and Pangilinan filed the complaint last May 10.