Veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin and her co-hosts Wendell Alvarez and Romel Chika have been cleared of cyberlibel charges filed by the parents of actress Sarah Lahbati.
The charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
In March 2024, Esther and Abdel Lahbati, Sarah’s parents, accused Fermin, Alvarez, and Chika of cyberlibel, harassment, defamation, and unjust vexation, claiming that statements made by the trio on their online show, ‘Showbiz Now Na’ (SNN), defamed their family.
After six months, the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office issued a resolution dismissing the case, which Fermin revealed on her radio program ‘Cristy Ferminute’ on Radyo5 on October 1. Fermin read the decision, which stated that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the accusations.
“Kaninang umaga (Martes, Oktubre 1) po ay natanggap namin nina Wendell at Romel ang nakalagay, ‘Wherefore, Premises considered it is respectfully recommended the complains for cyberlibel, harassment, defamation, at unjust vexation filed against respondent Cristinelli Salazar Fermin aka Cristy Fermin, Wendell Alvarez, and Romel Villamor aka Romel Chika be dismissed for insufficiency of evidence’,” Fermin said, expressing her relief. Co-host Romel Chika added that the dismissal was a weight off their shoulders.
Fermin also thanked her lawyer Ferdie Topacio and talent manager Annabelle Rama for their unwavering support throughout the legal battle. She acknowledged the support of their fans, the CFM’ers and SNN’ers, who stood by them during the ordeal.
While the Lahbati case has been resolved, Fermin mentioned that there are still ongoing cases filed against her by actress Bea Alonzo, Sharon Cuneta, and Dominic Roque, with resolutions expected soon.
