Bea’s affidavit declares that she’s been subjected to false, malicious, and derogatory information
Bea Alonzo filed three separate cases of cyber libel against entertainment columnists Ogie Diaz, Cristy Fermin, and unnamed co-hosts at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
The 36-year-old Kapuso actress appeared before Prosecutor Anna Fe Abad with her manager Shirley Kuan and legal counsel Atty. Jose Manalo Garcia of the Garcia Elauria Ruanto & Associates law office.
Aside from the three criminal cases that Bea filed,she also issued a complaint against an online basher who pretends to be close to her. The unvalidated details from this point person was brought more closely to the public through Ogie and Cristy’s columns on YouTube.
Cristy headlines her online show “Showbiz Now Na,” while Ogie has his own YouTube segment called “Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update.”
IMAGE: nelsoncanlas on Instagram
According to the Instagram post of GMA-7’s Nelson Canlas, Bea’s motion for subpoena is mainly driven by Ogie and Cristy’s persistent and direct attack on her personal life—including the alleged discrepancies in taxes.
Nelson writes, “Nakasaad sa complaint affidavit ni Bea na naging biktima siya ng mali, malisyoso, at mga mapanirang impormasyon na mula sa nagpanggap na malapit sa kanya at inilathala at pinag usapan sa online shows nina Fermin at Diaz nang walang basehan.
“Kasama dito ang umano’y sunud-sunod na paninira kay Bea sa kanilang columns at mga show. Kabilang na ang issue na umano’y ‘di pagbabayad ng tamang buwis ng aktres.
Bea Alonzo’s lawyer releases a statement
Bea declines to give a statement in front of the press. However, her lawyer Atty. Jose Manalo Garcia speaks on behalf of the actress—particularly on how all the baseless accusations have hurt Bea’s reputation.
Speaking with PEP.ph and GMA News, he says, “We believe these respondents saw this coming. They know who they are.
“For the record, this is the very first time that Bea is doing this. She has been in the industry for more than 20 years. She was greatly devastated by all these defamatory statements thrown against her.”
The lawyer also emphasizes that the respondents did not reach out to Bea in an attempt to validate their claims. More so, he also says that since cyber libel was filed under criminal law, Bea is seeking compensation.
He says, “Since these are criminal cases, one of the reliefs being sought is damages po. Yes, andun naman po lahat yun.
IMAGE: ogie_diaz on Instagram
Screengrab from Showbiz Now Na! on YouTube
In the end, the lawyer calls for responsible use of social media—underscoring that misuse of communication channels are punishable by law.
He says, “We will just be urging the social media users, in particular the bloggers, to understand the legal consequences in engaging in such behavior. Because lahat ng personal attacks, defamatory statements, they are not only morally reprehensible, but also legally actionable.”
What does Ogie Diaz have to say about the legal charges?
Just immediately on the same day, Ogie took to Facebook his statement on the issue—saying that they will soon answer the questions in due time.
He writes, “Pasensya na sa lahat ng reporters na tumatawag para maging balanse lang ang kanilang report. Naiintindihan ko kayo kung nginangarag kayo ng news desk o editors niyo.
“Makakarating din naman sa amin yan para sagutin sa takdang panahon. Pero eto ha? Ayoko nang magpakaplastik. Tulad ng lagi namin hinihirit sa Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update, sila pa rin gusto naming makatuluyan sa ending.”
Cristy, on the other hand, is yet to issue a statement on the matter. It can be recalled that earlier this year, in February, Cristy also got involved in a defamation controversy with Bea’s ex-boyfriend Dominic Roque.
The “malicious and derogatory” statements published by Cristy alleged to Dominic’s rumored relationship with two male politicians—Dapitan City Mayor Bullet Jalosjos and former Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay.
READ ALSO: Dominic Roque Issues Statement On Cristy Fermin’s “Malicious And Derogatory” Statement
Banner Art Paulo Correa
