AN Australian national is facing trial for allegedly maligning his former Cebuana girlfriend on Facebook.
The Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office found sufficient basis to indict Martyn Reid on charges of violating Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Bail was recommended at P14,000.
Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Anna Lou Cavada attacked the integrity and character of Reid in accusing his former girlfriend of being a “marriage scammer.”
Reid’s posts on Facebook on March 16, 2014, the prosecutor said, exposed the victim to public ridicule and mockery.
“The libelous tirades by respondent clearly caused dishonor to the complainant,” Cavada said.
The issue stemmed from a case filed by the complainant against Reid whom she said gave her expensive gifts when they still had a relationship.
Among the items given to her were an engagement ring, Iphone, bags, shoes and money.
The complainant said she accepted the items because she had feelings for Reid.
However, their relationship eventually turned sour after Reid would brag about the items he gave her and made her accountable for the expensive gifts.
After she ended her relationship with Reid on March 16, 2014, she was informed by a friend regarding the defamatory remarks posted by the accused on his Facebook page.
The complainant decided to file a complaint against Reid before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office.
The accused was given the opportunity to submit his counter-affidavit and refute the allegations but he failed to do so.
“There being no evidence to the contrary, the undersigned is without recourse but to file the instant complaint against respondent,” Prosecutor Cavada said.