DOJ eyes cyber libel raps vs. Manibela leader

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is mulling filing two counts of cyber libel against MANIBELA president Mar Valbuena over his remarks on the alleged involvement of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista in the corruption controversy within the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). 

In a 17-page resolution, the DOJ said Valbuena’s accusations that bribe money for the public utility vehicles modernization program reaches Bautista and Malacañang has elements of cyber libel as it has “malicious imputation of a criminal act”.

It was also aired on television, as well as social media and online platforms including YouTube, Saleema Refran reported on “24 Oras” Thursday. 

Valbuena’s remarks came amid accusations of a former LTFRB executive assistant, saying that its regional directors are given quotas of P2 million each per month to be delivered to Malacañang and two other legislators. The ex-agency official later retracted his accusations. 

According to transport leader, he has yet to receive a copy of the resolution. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation said it is ready for the planned nationwide strike of jeepney drivers next week. 

“Handa naman po tayo sa kanilang either pagwewelga or pagpoprotesta,: said DoTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega.

“We will be very strict. Hindi po natin pwedeng hayaan yung ating mga kasamahan na mag-cause ng traffic. Hindi po natin pwede hayaan yung ating mga kasamahan or rather yung nasa sector ng transportation, para maabala yung ating commuters,” he added. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News