Ogie Diaz and Cristy Fermin have broken their silence regarding the cyber libel complaints filed against them by actress Bea Alonzo.
According to a report by the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph), Bea filed three separate complaints before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office. Included in the defendants of the case are Cristy and Ogie's other co-hosts in their respective online programs.
Cristy Fermin reacts to Bea Alonzo's cyber libel complaint
On May 3, 2023, Cristy opted to air her sentiments regarding the complaint through her online show, Cristy Ferminute. The veteran showbiz columnist first clarified that she has yet to receive the complete details of the cases filed.
She noted though, that she has long accepted that her profession in the media will always be prone to cyber libel complaints by certain individuals. For Cristy, cyber libel and her work cannot be separated. "Ang libelo po o ang cyber libel o cyber bullying na tinatawag nila ay kakambal ng aming propesyon. Ito po ay parang dila at ngipin na magkasama. Hindi po maaaring paghiwalayin," she stated.
But one thing that Cristy strongly addressed were accusations that her online show was made to earn profit out of stories about Bea. Cristy argued that Cristy Ferminute and Ogie Diaz's YouTube show did not have this goal in mind.
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"Ang programa po ni Ogie Diaz at ang kaniyang programang showbiz now na at maging ito pong Cristy Ferminute ay dinisenyo hindi lamang po para kay Bea Alonzo," Cristy explained.
Cristy also opened up that she was actually the one who defended Bea from all the controversy that surrounded the actress. "Ako po ang nagtanggol. Kinalaban ko po ang lahat para lamang mabigyan ko siya ng magandang pagtalakay at opinion," she argued.
She further told her viewers that the legal proceedings between her and Bea have a long way to go. But she is ready to face Bea in court.
"At sabi nga, kayo ang nagdemanda, ikaw Bea ang nagsampa ng kasong libelo laban sa akin kay Ogie Diaz at sa iba pa naming mga kasama, ano ang ating sinasabi, we will see you in court," the showbiz columnist declared.
Ogie Diaz reacts to Bea Alonzo's cyber libel complaint
On the other hand, Ogie chose to briefly express his side on the issue through his social media account. In an Instagram/Facebook story, he wrote a short apology to the press asking for his official statement.
First he said, "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 ng editors niyo."
The apology came as he calmly stated that there won't be any statement from him. Ogie said that he will address the issue in due time. However, he said he wishes for Bea and ex-boyfriend Dominic Roque to reconcile.
"Pero eto ha? Ayoko nang magpaka-plastik," he said, indicating that he will only move toward the issue with much authenticity. "Tulad ng lagi naming hinihirit sa Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update, sila pa rin gusto naming magkatuluyan sa ending," Ogie proclaimed.
Bea Alonzo's cyber libel complaints versus Cristy Fermin and Ogie Diaz
Bea was accompanied by her manager Shirley Kuan, and legal counsel Jose Manolo Garcia when she filed the complaints. According to her legal counsel, this was the first time in Bea's 20 years in the industry that Bea decided to take everything to court.
"She was greatly devastated by all these defamatory statements thrown against her," Atty. Jose Manolo Garcia told PEP.ph. Bea's complaint detailed allegedly malicious and false reports about the actress' civil duty to pay the right taxes.
Bea's legal counsel also emphasized that the respondents did not seek her side of the story when they reported about her.
"As far as I'm concerned, wala po, despite them knowing the truth about all these statements subject of the complaints that we filed," the lawyer explained. The complaints are criminal cases, and "one of the reliefs being sought is damages po," he added.
Cristy and Ogie's statements alluding to Bea's life off-cam reportedly started when Bea and Dominic called off their engagement early this year. During the same period, Cristy shared news about Dominic which negatively affected the actor's reputation.
Dominic slammed Cristy for releasing alleged "malicious and defamatory public statements" against him. Dominic's statement on Cristy's allegations came weeks after he and Bea confirmed their breakup.
