In light of the cyber libel complaint lodged by actress Sharon Cuneta and her husband, former senator Kiko Pangilinan, against entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin, the latter has spoken out regarding the matter.
Fermin addressed the complaint during her radio show, ‘Cristy FerMinute,’ on Friday afternoon, May 10.
Fermin acknowledged the sentiments expressed by Cuneta and Pangilinan, as well as previous complaints filed against her by actress Bea Alonzo and Sarah Lahbati’s mother, Ester Lahbati.
During her show, Fermin emphasized the importance of understanding the nature of their profession as journalists. She stated, “Naiintindihan po natin kung saan sila nagmumula kung paanong dapat rin nilang unawain kung ano ang aming trabaho, ‘yun lamang po ‘yun. You don’t shoot the messenger.”
Regarding the specifics of the cyber libel case, Fermin mentioned that she is unable to provide further comment as she has yet to discuss the details with her lawyer. She reiterated that such complaints are part of their work as journalists.
“Basta naiintindihan natin kung saan sila nagmumula. Wala pa po akong masasabi. Wala pa kaming impormasyon na tinatanggap. Basta naiintindihan natin ito. ‘Yan ay kasama po sa ating trabaho bilang mamamahayag,” said the radio host.
Fermin further addressed the notion of embarrassment, emphasizing that she and her family should not feel ashamed about the cyber libel complaints. She highlighted the distinction between legitimate legal matters and the nature of their profession, asserting that accusations of cyber libel fall within the latter category.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga anak ko, ‘Mahiya kayo kapag ako ay dinemanda sa pagnanakaw. Mahiya kayo kapag ako ay dinemanda at kinasuhan tungkol sa human trafficking, kapag ako ay nagbugaw at kung anu-ano pa. ‘Yun ang dapat natin ikahiya pero ‘yung ganto cyber libel kasama po ito sa [trabaho],” she added.
Naiintidihan aniya ng showbiz columnist at host na si #CristyFermin kung saan nagmumula ang mag-asawang sina Megastar #SharonCuneta at dating senador Kiko Pangilinan sa pagsasampa ng reklamong cyber libel laban sa kanya. #News5 pic.twitter.com/JonJPUiC4L
— News5 (@News5PH) May 10, 2024
The cyber libel complaint from Cuneta and Pangilinan comes amid claims that false statements made by Fermin have adversely affected their family. Cuneta expressed the impact of the situation on her children, leading them to withdraw from social media to some extent. She conveyed her discomfort with the situation, emphasizing the personal toll it has taken on her family.
Notably, Fermin is facing similar cyber libel complaints from other celebrities for allegedly disseminating baseless and malicious statements about their personal lives.
