Cristy Fermin, co-accused post bail for cyber libel case

Cristy Fermin has posted bail after a warrant of arrest was issued against her and two others over Bea Alonzo’s cyber libel complaint.

According to a report on "Balitanghali" on Friday, Fermin and Wendell Alvarez have been granted bail, while Rommel Villamor is still arranging to post bail at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 93.

Fermin said that the warrant has been out since July 21, but they only received it on July 30. She added that she would have voluntarily surrendered had there been no delay with the documents.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the legal counsel of Fermin and her co-accused, told GMA News Online that, "We are now preparing for her defense."

The bail was set at P48,000 each for Fermin, Villamor, and Alvarez, with the charges stemming from alleged defamatory statements made against Alonzo.

According to an earlier by Aubrey Carampel, Alonzo’s lawyer Atty. Joey Garcia said that the development of the case proves the actress's right to file a complaint.

“We have always stood firm in the merits of our client’s case. This development vindicates her position and affirms her right to seek redress,” Garcia said in a statement. 

"This is not only an initial legal victory for Ms. Alonzo but a statement of principle, free speech does not mean freedom to defame. The law draws a clear line and that line has been crossed," he added. 

In May 2024, Alonzo filed a cyber libel complaint against Fermin, Ogie Diaz, and their co-hosts on their respective programs.

Alonzo’s complaint affidavit states she was the victim of false, malicious, and damaging information from someone who pretended to be close to her, which was published and discussed on Diaz and Fermin's online shows without any basis.

—CDC/JCB, GMA Integrated News