QC prosecutor indicts editor, reporter for libel over story on Catriona Gray's fake nude photos

The city prosecutor of Quezon City has recommended the filing of libel charges against an entertainment editor and a reporter after their tabloid's Facebook page posted in mid-2020 a story on Catriona Gray's fake nude photos.

In her Instagram, Gray's lawyer Atty. Joji Alonso posted a copy of the resolution recommending that charges for libel be filed against Bulgar's entertainment editor Janice Navida and reporter Melba Llanera.

Assistant City Prosecutor Jerome Christopher Feria also recommended a cyber libel charge be filed against Navida.

A bail of P30,000 was recommended for each respondent for libel, and P48,000 for Navida for cyber libel.

"The QC Office of the City Prosecutor has resolved the libel and cyber libel complaints filed by our client, Ms. @catriona_gray against Ms. Janice Navida and Ms. Melba Llanera, entertainment editor and entertainment writer, respectively, of Bulgar Tabloid," Alonso said on her Instagram.

"There was a finding of probable cause justifying a well-founded belief that the crime of libel and cyber libel have been committed wherein both Ms. Navida and Ms. Llanera are liable," she added.

"As a staunch advocate of women’s rights and responsible journalism, Ms. Gray welcomes this favorable news. She remains firm against abusive media practices and would not waiver in championing causes that would bring about justice and accountability," Alonso said.

Gray in July last year demanded a public apology and sought a Php10-million settlement from the tabloid after it published her fake topless photos and uploaded it on their Facebook page, according to a PEP.ph report.

She also sought help from the NBI for action against those behind the fake nude photos.

Navida in August 2020 said the tabloid sought to protect Gray.

“I hope too that you may see our intention to help you in clearing your name to the whole universe that the nude photo circulating online is fake and edited only, that’s why when we learned about your clarification on the matter, we quickly posted your camp’s statement on our Facebook page and website to enlighten everybody about that controversial photo.”

Navida said that their intention was evident after they published an article in their newspaper under Llanera’s Insider column on July 19.

An excerpt of the article read: “Kung sakaling totoo ito at hindi edited lang, ’di na namin papangalanan pero tiyak na may ideya na ang ibang tao kung sino ang maaaring nasa likod ng paglalabas nito.” —NB, GMA News