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Alfred Vargas and wife Yasmine file 20 counts of cyber libel: 'Silence is no longer an option'
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Actor-politician Alfred Vargas and his wife, Yasmine Espiritu-Vargas, have taken a firm legal stand to protect their family.
On Monday, the couple officially filed 20 counts of cyber libel against individuals behind persistent online attacks and "maling paratang" targeted at their household.
The decision comes after months of what the couple describes as a smear campaign that has, unfortunately, deeply affected their children.
In a statement shared on social media, Yasmine opened up about the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family. Known for her private and reserved nature, Yasmine emphasized that the legal move was a necessary step to protect their children from further distress.
"For those who know me, you would understand that I am naturally shy and reserved, and not someone who looks for conflict. We tried to handle this quietly and peacefully—para sa kapakanan ng aming mga anak, na dumaan na sa matinding sakit at trauma. But there comes a point when silence is no longer an option," Yasmine shared.
The controversy reportedly traces back to February, when the family attempted to settle the matter privately. However, despite their efforts to avoid a public spectacle, the online posts containing what they describe as "false and meant to damage our name and reputation" continued to circulate.
The decision to move forward with these legal charges was not made lightly. By submitting their evidence to the court, the couple is choosing to trust the proper legal process to clear their names and expose the truth behind the allegations. This follows a failed attempt earlier this year to resolve the issue through dialogue, which was instead met with further social media activity.
"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," Yasmine explained.
Beyond their personal struggle, the couple views this legal battle as a stand for all children who have suffered from online harassment. They hope to set a precedent that social media is not a space where reputations can be destroyed without consequence.
Yasmine and Alfred Vargas are making a direct appeal to the public for digital decency and kindness.
"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 added.
Alfred and Yasmine expressed their gratitude to the fans and friends who have offered prayers during this challenging time. They ended their statement with a powerful reminder about the impact of digital toxicity and the importance of maintaining a respectful online environment.
"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," Yasmine noted.
At this writing, the Vargas family is letting the legal process take its course, with Yasmine affirming, "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."
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