Naga City's prosecutor office junked the cyberlibel case filed by Mayor Nelson Legacion against a former supporter of former Vice President Leni Robredo.
In a 12-page resolution released by Prosecutor Ruben Almerol Jr., it states that there was no clear evidence proving there was malice in the comment of Dominga Bien Realda in a survey posted on "Bagong Bicol" Facebook page.
The said survey asked the public who among Legacion and Robredo will be the next elected mayor in the upcoming 2025 elections.
Legacion took offense on Realda's comment saying he was an allegedly corrupt official.
The official further said that Realda's comment was very damaging to his character and reputation, leading to him filing a cyber libel complaint against the latter pursuant to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
However, in his counter-affidavit, Realda argued that he only chose Robredo in the survey and his comment was just a response to another netizen's comment. He also emphasized that he only explained his answer to the survey.
Almerol also indicated that a government official should be open to criticism and comments from the people.
His explanation and justifications for dismissing Legacion's complaint were approved by City Prosecutor Ruvi Jean Villagomez – Cariño.