Cyberlibel, perjury raps filed vs lawyer, 18 ex-marines
ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda on Wednesday has appeared before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice to file cyberlibel and perjury complaints against 18 former members of the Philippine Marines and lawyer Levito Baligod.
Besides Baligod, the other respondents in the complaints are Bernard Tube, Rosebert Waupan, Benny Bulontate, Johnny Buduan, Rodante Orbillo, Reyneboy Julian, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Romeo Rommel Bobares, Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Jowly Cadiao, Rommel Galapon, Cecilio Larroder Jr., Bernard Gumban, Crisaniel Dado, Fidel Corpu, and Walter Manalansan.
Complaints vs 18 marines, lawyer
The complaint was for violation of Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in relation to Articles 353, 354, and 355 of the Revised Penal Code; and perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.
In her 18-page affidavit, Baronda said the unsigned affidavit distributed by Baligod “contained numerous allegations accusing the President of the Philippines, several public officials, and members of Congress of having received substantial sums of money allegedly delivered by the respondents.”
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The 18 respondents allegedly acted as escorts, couriers, or security personnel, personally transporting and delivering luggage of various sizes to their target government officials and lawmakers.
Baronda added that she was specifically and expressly identified in paragraph 43 of the unsigned Pinagsamang Sinumpaang Salaysay as one of the alleged recipients of luggage supposedly containing cash.
“The accusation against me was direct, unequivocal, and unmistakable. By specifically naming me as one of the persons who allegedly received luggage, or “maleta,” containing cash, the respondents effectively accused me of receiving illicit funds and of participating in unlawful, corrupt, or criminal activities. Such an allegation necessarily imputes the commission of crimes involving corruption, bribery, graft, dishonesty, and betrayal of public trust. The defamatory nature of the accusation is self-evident. No reasonable reader or listener could interpret the allegation in any other manner,” she said.
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In her prefatory statement, Baronda said she did not come to the decision lightly as she understood that “public service comes with scrutiny, criticism, and even harsh attacks.”
“However, this case is not about criticism, political disagreement, or free expression. It is about the deliberate use of a sworn affidavit and public platforms to spread false and malicious accusations of criminal conduct and corruption against me. The allegations were not presented as opinions or suspicions; they were asserted as facts under oath and widely disseminated to the public,” she said.
“To remain silent in the face of such calculated falsehoods would be to encourage others to use affidavits, press conferences, and social media as weapons to destroy reputations without evidence and without consequence.”
She added that she filed the complaint not to silence criticisms but “to defend the truth, protect the integrity of public service, and hold accountable those who knowingly abused the solemnity of an oath to spread lies and malign my name.” (PNA)
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