PROSECUTORS from the Department of Justice have recommended the filing of cyber libel charges against lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 individuals who presented themselves as former bodyguards of ex‑Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.
In a resolution dated July 13, the panel also approved the filing of perjury complaints against all 18 witnesses, but cleared Baligod of the perjury count due to “lack of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction.”
The 18 respondents named in the perjury recommendation are Belnard Tube, Rosebert Waupan, Benny Bulotante, Johnny Buduan, Rodante Orbillo, Reyneboy Julian, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Romeo Bobares, Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely Cadiao, Rommel Galapon, Cecilio Larroder Jr., Bernard Gumban, Crisanie Dado, Fidel Corpuz, and Walter Manalansan. The resolution spans 17 pages and details the assessment of evidence submitted during the preliminary investigation.
In explaining its ruling, the DOJ emphasized that the element of malice rests on the declarants’ “reckless disregard” for the truth, rather than solely on whether the statements turned out to be factually correct or incorrect. This finding underscores that making claims without verifying their veracity carries legal weight, even if the truth of the assertion itself remains contested. The cases will now proceed for filing in the appropriate courts.
metrosundaily
