Television host and Tutok To Win representative Sam Verzosa has filed a cyber libel case against Estrella Elamparo, a lawyer from Loyola Heights, Quezon City, following claims that he and his girlfriend, actress Rhian Ramos, cheated during their participation in the New York City Marathon.
The case was submitted to the Office of the City Prosecutor in Manila on November 19.
Verzosa, 42, believes the accusations are politically motivated. In a statement, he questioned Elamparo’s intentions, suggesting that the allegations may be tied to political interests. “Hindi maalis sa isip ko na may nag-motivate talaga para sa akin. Hindi malayong isipin na politically-motivate ito kasi lawyer siya. Sinong kliyente niya sa Maynila na papabor sa pagkasira sa akin?” he said.
Verzosa also expressed frustration over the questioning of his character and his marathon performance, saying, “Kung kinukuwestiyon niya ang pagtakbo ko sa New York, bakit pati pagtakbo ko sa Maynila kinukuwestiyon din niya pati pagkatao ko?” He emphasized his need to address the issue, despite not wanting to engage in the ongoing controversy. “Ayoko na sanang patulan ito pero dapat tumindig sa mga ganitong klaseng tao na nagpapakalap ng mga fake news online,” Verzosa added.
The situation took an unexpected turn when Elamparo was arrested in Cebu City for a separate cyber libel case. Verzosa pointed out the timing of her arrest, linking it to the accusations she made against him.
“Parang ang bilis din ng vindication natin. Noong siniraan niya ako at naglabas ng column against us (Rhian) na sinabing nandaya raw kami sa marathon, after a few days, lumabas kaagad yung kanyang warrant arrest,” he noted.
Verzosa also criticized those continuing to spread misinformation online, urging that such individuals be held accountable. He cited his efforts to counter the allegations with video evidence and statements from marathon organizers, but Elamparo remained steadfast in her claims. “Pag ito sinakyan ng iba, nagiging totoo na. Dinamay pa niya si Rhian. Ayaw na rin niya pansinin eh. Sa dinami-dami pa ng tumakbo (sa New York), kami pa ang pinag-initan,” he said.
In addition to his legal battle, Verzosa has filed a certificate of candidacy for mayor of Manila. He concluded that this would be the last time he would address the issue publicly, leaving the matter to his lawyers to resolve. “This will be the last time I’m going to talk about her. I will let my lawyers fix this. Sana magsilbing aral ito sa mga taong may plano pang manira,” he said.
