SINAMPAHAN ng 78 counts ng cyber libel sa apat na magkakahiwalay na reklamo ni dating Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Liza Diño ang Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.PH) editor-in-chief na si Jo-Ann Maglipon at news editor/writer na si Rachelle Siazon dahil sa serye ng libelous articles na pinost sa naturang website noong 2023.

Dawit din sa nasabing complaints na inihain kanina sa QC Prosecutor’s Office sina ex-FDCP Chairperson Tirso Cruz III at FDCP Chairperson Jose Javier Reyes.

Traumatic umano para sa dating lady FDCP chief ang mga artikulong lumabas dahil maging sa abroad ay marami ang umurirat sa kanya ukol dito.

Ayon sa legal counsel ni Liza na si Regie Tongol, “What is obvious is that our client was given by PEP.PH extraordinary special treatment by releasing not one but six articles to form a series of damaging articles in rapid succession.

“This created a sustained negative publicity against our client, which is inconsistent with a good faith effort to inform the public and more aligned with a strategy for character assassination.

“This is not a work of a truly journalistic endeavor but a work often done by public relations instrumentalities.

“The Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City under the helm of Chief Prosecutor Vimar Barcellano will hear the complaints and decide the filing of information in court. Our client is doing this in order to send a message that ‘the exercise of press freedom must be done consistent with good faith and reasonable care.’

“This was clearly abandoned by PEP.PH when they wrote and published the subject articles.”

Kasabay ng pahayag ni Atty. Tongol ay nagbigay din ng press statement si Liza ukol sa isyu.

Aniya: “It took almost a year…

“In May of last year, I was ambushed as malicious article after malicious article was released attacking everything about who I am — my accomplishments, my leadership, my very person. Hiding behind anonymous sources and twisted facts, these articles didn’t seek to inform, but to damage and destroy me.

“Matagal kong pinag-isipan ito. It took almost a year of endless discussions with my husband and family because this decision is difficult to make.

“The entertainment industry revolves around public opinion and by doing something like this, people might judge me all over again. Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko pa kaya nanahimik na ako. Pero ito ba ‘yung tama? Why am I allowing their false narrative to be the truth when I know my truth. I know THE truth.

“So today, through my legal counsels, I filed 78 counts of cyber libel via 4 complaints at the Office of the Prosecutor of Quezon City against PEP and personalities involved in an attempt to tarnish my reputation by manipulating public opinion. There must be accountability.

“I have decided to fight back and reclaim my name and reputation through a system that is impartial to their great power and influence.

“I refuse to engage in trial by publicity and in fighting dirty. Instead, I place my trust in the justice system and its proper channels.

“Regardless of the outcome, I will rest easy knowing that I stood up for myself and demanded accountability.

“My story continues. I have so much to look forward to and so many people in my life that I cherish, and for that, I am thankful.

“So thank you to everyone who supported me and believed in me all this time.”