Yasmine Vargas has filed 20 counts of cyber libel against individuals allegedly responsible for spreading false claims about her family on social media.
The complaint stems from what Yasmine described as repeated online posts containing “maling paratang” directed at her, her husband Alfred Vargas, and their children.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Yasmine emphasized that the legal action was driven by her role as a mother seeking to protect her family.
“Kaya pinili naming magsalita hindi dahil gusto naming makipagtalo, kundi dahil mahal namin ang aming mga anak. Para sa kanila, at para sa lahat ng batang nakakaranas ng bullying, naninindigan kami,” she said.
She confirmed the filing of the cases, adding: “Today, I filed 20 counts of cyber libel. Nalulungkot po ako na umabot pa sa ganito. Sinubukan naming idaan sa maayos na pag-uusap noong Pebrero, ngunit sa halip, nagpatuloy ang mga posts sa social media na naglalaman ng maling paratang laban sa akin, sa aking asawa, at sa aming pamilya—even after we chose to remain silent.”
According to Yasmine, they have submitted evidence as part of the complaint and are now relying on due process.
“Pinili naming dumaan sa tamang proseso. Nagsampa na po kami ng reklamo at kalakip nito ang aming ebidensya. Tiwala po kami na lalabas ang katotohanan,” she added.
The cyber libel case follows an earlier complaint filed by the couple on April 13 before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office.
They accused the parents of a minor of violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act after their child was allegedly bullied during a swimming training.
Reports indicate that one of those named in the cyber libel complaint is Juvelle Bacosa, partner of actor Rob Sy, whose child was linked to the initial bullying allegations.
In his earlier statement, Sy denied the accusations, saying: “Nakasisiguro po kayo na sa likod ng kamera, ako ay isang mapayapang tao at walang kasalanan sa mga ibinibintang sa amin. Ganu’n din ang aking partner at nag-iisang anak. Siya po ay maayos at responsable naming pinalalaki.”
He also assured that they are prepared to face the case.
Despite the legal action, Yasmine made an appeal to the public to practice kindness and responsibility online.
“At sa publiko, nakikiusap po kami: Let us choose kindness. Huwag na po nating dagdagan ang sakit sa pamamagitan ng paninira, haka-haka, o masasakit na salita—lalo na online. Bullying, in any form, has no place in our community.”
As of writing, the camp of those accused has yet to release an official response regarding the cyber libel complaints.
