Veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin recently addressed the cyber libel case filed against her by celebrity couple Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan.
During her radio program ‘Cristy Ferminute,’ Fermin urged her supporters not to harbor resentment towards the couple despite their legal action.
“Huwag kayong magalit kay Sharon Cuneta. Kanina, ang dami kong nababasa. Galit na galit kay Megastar at kay dating Senador Kiko Pangilinan. Wala pa po tayong hawak na impormasyon. Malalaman natin yan kapag nabasa na po namin ng aming abogado. ‘Yun lamang po yon, tanggalin po natin sa ating isip yung galit, yung hatred. Kasama po talaga yan sa laban.”
She emphasized the need to wait for further information, stating that concrete details would emerge once reviewed by her lawyer. Fermin humorously speculated about potential future lawsuits, jokingly suggesting Julia Roberts could be next.
“Pero ang ano, ha, pataas nang pataas ang level. Tumataas ang level ng mga demandahan—from Sarah Lahbati to Bea Alonzo, Sharon Cuneta na ang kasunod. Sino po kaya ang susunod, si Julia Roberts na?”
Despite the jest, Fermin acknowledged the perspective of those taking legal action against her, understanding it as part of her journalistic role.
“Basta naiintindihan natin ito. Yan po ay kasama sa ating trabaho bilang mamamahayag. Sabi ko nga sa mga anak ko, ‘Mahiya kayo kapag ako ay idinemanda sa pagnanakaw. Mahiya kayo kapag ako’y idinemanda’t kinasuhan tungkol sa trafficking.”
She stressed the importance of comprehending the nature of their profession and refraining from targeting the messenger.
“Kapag ako ay nagbugaw at kung anu-ano pa. Yun ang dapat nating ikahiya.’ Pero yung ganito, cyber libel, libel cases, kasama po ito sa teritoryo ng pagiging mamamahayag natin. At nauunawaan po natin kung saan sila nanggagaling at nagmumula. Kung paano dapat din nilang unawain kung ano ang aming trabaho. Yun lang po yon, you don’t shoot the messenger.”
Fermin’s remarks shed light on the escalating legal challenges she faces, reflecting the complex dynamics within the entertainment industry.
