Veteran entertainment columnist and radio host Cristy Fermin has lost the cyber libel case filed against her by former Senator Kiko Pangilinan and actress Sharon Cuneta.
Fermin shared the news during her program ‘Cristy Ferminute’ on Thursday, October 17.
The libel charges, consisting of five counts, were filed in response to Fermin’s commentary on various topics related to Cuneta and Pangilinan, including reports about the couple’s family and their daughter, KC Concepcion. The cases were based on several of Fermin’s published statements, including titles such as “KC ayaw na ng drama,” “Mega may favoritism,” and “Sharon Cuneta problemado talaga.”
Fermin, alongside her legal counsel, Atty. Shirley Tabangcura, argued that the statements were made about public figures, and as such, should not be grounds for libel. However, the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office ruled against her, with Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Rafael Rodrigo Esguerra signing off on the decision, which was approved by two other city prosecutors.
Despite this, Fermin remains determined to appeal the decision. “This is just the first step,” she said, explaining that the case will proceed to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Makati, and could potentially be elevated to the Court of Appeals or even the Supreme Court if necessary.
Fermin also took the opportunity to thank her supporters, assuring them that she will continue to stand her ground in the legal battle. She urged them not to worry, saying, “Ang laban po ay hindi natin uurungan.”
The case, filed in May 2024, was initiated after Pangilinan and Cuneta decided to take legal action in response to what they believed were defamatory and malicious remarks made by Fermin about their family.
In contrast to this legal setback, Fermin received some positive news during the same broadcast. She announced that she had been recognized by the GEMS Hiyas ng Sining award-giving body, which named her Best Digital Program Host for her work on ‘Showbiz Now Na,’ a digital show she hosts.
This mixed outcome comes after Fermin recently won a separate cyber libel case filed against her by the parents of actress Sarah Lahbati in Quezon City. Despite her current legal challenges, Fermin remains committed to defending her name and career.
