SHOWBIZ columnist and host Cristy Fermin appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday to respond to the cyberlibel complaint filed against her by actress Claudine Barretto. Fermin was accompanied by her co‑respondent Romel “Chika” Villamor and their legal counsel, Atty. Shirley Mae Tabangcura‑Dasco, as they heeded the agency’s invitation to give their statements regarding the case.
Fermin told reporters that their presence was a matter of respect for the agency and its processes. “We are here because the NBI invited us to give our statement. First and foremost, out of respect for the agency, that is why we came,” she said. “We cannot disregard an institution like the NBI, which is doing its best to address and resolve cases.”
The development follows Barretto’s filing last October 21, which she described as “the last straw” over remarks Fermin made about her mental health. Fermin confirmed that she and her co‑host will not be submitting a counter‑affidavit at this stage. Instead, they will await the formal filing of the case with the prosecutor’s office before responding further.
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