SEN. Erwin Tulfo filed on Wednesday complaints for grave oral defamation against six individuals before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office.
Named as respondents are self-proclaimed former bodyguards Jeron Valderama and Bernard Gumban, lawyers Levito Baligod and Virgilio Garcia, former lawmaker Mike Defensor and Quezon City councilor Ranulfo Ludovica.
The charges stemmed from statements allegedly made by the respondents during a press conference at the Doublegem EDSA Garden Events Place on June 16.
Tulfo alleged that the respondents made defamatory statements against him that were subsequently disseminated through digital and online platforms.
This, he said, prompted him to file complaints under provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
RA 10175 imposes higher penalties for crimes, including libel and defamatory acts committed through information and communications technologies.
The senator maintained that the allegations made against him during the June 16 event were false, malicious and intended to damage his reputation and credibility as a public official.
The Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office will initiate the preliminary investigation process to determine whether probable cause exists to file formal charges in court.
The respondents will be allowed to submit their counter-affidavits and evidence in response to the allegations.
The respondents had yet to issue a statement on the issue.