Actress Nadine Lustre has won the online harassment case she filed against a male netizen who allegedly made sexually inappropriate remarks against her on social media, saying she hopes the outcome reminds internet users that online abuse has real-life consequences.
During the media conference for her Viu series ‘Love, Siargao’, Nadine opened up for the first time about the case, which was filed under the Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No. 11313.
She recalled that the incident began when a man posted what she described as a comment that bordered on online sexual harassment on her Instagram account.
“May nag-comment kasi sa Instagram ko na I would say leading towards online sexual harassment na siya.”
At first, Nadine chose to ignore the remark. However, she later realized that many people—including survivors of abuse—were deeply affected by the comment.
She added that the netizen even doubled down by posting an even more offensive reply to another user.
“A lot of people were telling me na sobrang hindi okay ‘yan. Medyo masama naman talaga and unfortunately, nag-double down pa siya.”
With the encouragement of her legal team, Nadine decided to pursue legal action.
“Meron din akong legal counsel at that time who really pushed me to file a case against this person.”
The actress said she felt a responsibility to act, not only for herself but also for others who may experience similar forms of online harassment.
“I felt a bit responsible for the comment and I wanted to do something about it because parang hindi ko ma-stomach yung injustice.”
According to Nadine, her legal team successfully identified the individual behind the account despite attempts to conceal his identity, allowing the case to move forward.
She revealed that the case has already been resolved and that the court imposed penalties on the respondent.
While she did not disclose the full details of the ruling, Nadine said the man was sentenced and ordered to undergo rehabilitation, including gender sensitivity seminars.
“He was obviously given a sentence and, of course, rehabilitation as well. He was going to go through mga seminar for gender sensitivity and all of that.”
She also shared that the man eventually apologized to her.
For Nadine, the legal victory is about promoting accountability in digital spaces.
“I just wanted people to understand that even if you’re hiding behind the screen, hindi puwedeng magsalita ka lang ng kung anong gusto mong sabihin to another person. Parang there has to be an accountability.”
The actress expressed hope that the case would serve as a warning to people who habitually harass, bully, or abuse others online.
“At least for people who are so used to doing this or saying bad things about other people or bashing other people, at least for them to know that they’re not safe.”
