Dominic Roque files cyber libel case against Cristy Fermin
Dominic Roque has filed a cyber libel case against showbiz insider Cristy Fermin, following in the footsteps of his ex-fiancé Bea Alonzo.
According to GMA News' Nelson Canlas, the actor filed the legal complaint at the Pasig City Prosecutor's Office on May 31.
"Ang ilang malicious statements and innuendos na sinabi ni Fermin sa kanyang Youtube channel na Showbiz Now Na ang naging basehan ng aktor para magsampa ng kaso," Canlas detailed.
Roque earlier came into conflict with Fermin due to her controversial allegations regarding his relationship with Alonzo.
In her vlog, Fermin said that Alonzo's family was investigating the actor's finances as he lives in a high-end condominium. Later, she claimed that the condo was owned by a male politician, spurring speculation about the unnamed person's identity.
Some of the names that came up included Congressman Bong Suntay, the owner of Clean Fuel, which Roque is a brand ambassador of, and Dapitan Mayor Bullet Jalosjos, who confirmed that he owned the condo. Roque slammed the speculations and apologized to the politicians dragged into the issue.
Jalosjos broke his silence on rumors of him being a "benefactor" of Roque, saying that they are just friends.
Fernandez & Singson Law offices later issued a statement condemning Fermin's "malicious and defamatory" allegations on behalf of the actor.
"These defamatory statements were made by Ms. Fermin under the guise of entertainment news without any effort from her to confirm the same from Mr. Dominic Roque," the statement read.
"These innuendoes alluded that Mr. Dominic Roque has a benefactor who is a politician and that this politician is the owner of the condominium unit where he currently resides. The messaging of the innuendos were clear and unambiguous," it added.
Alonzo was the first one to file a cyber libel complaint against Fermin, with the complaint stating that she became a victim of "false, malicious, and damaging information."
Unlike Roque, she also took legal action against showbiz insider Ogie Diaz. The couple's split had been a hot topic in both Fermin and Diaz's shows.
While Fermin has yet to respond to the new case, she previously addressed Alonzo's complaint during a livestream on her Cristy Ferminute program, where she reminded Alonzo that she is a public figure and she should expect that her personal life would be talked about.
"Kayo po ay mga isda sa loob ng aquarium. Ang publiko po ay nakatanaw sa inyo. Bawat galaw niyo, bawat ikot niyo, marami pong nakatanaw, wala kayong maaaring ligtasan. Kaya public figures kayo, 'wag masyadong balat-sibuyas," she said.
This is the third cyber libel complaint that Fermin is facing this year. She was also sued by Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan in the same month.