BY IME SORNITO
ILOILO – The chief of the Iloilo provincial government’s Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO) confirmed having posted bail for the three counts of cyber libel complaint filed against him by Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas.
On February 25, Nereo Lujan, accompanied by his legal counsel, went to Branch 39 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to await the release of the arrest warrant and immediately posted bail – P48,000 for each count, totalling P144,000.
Lujan’s arraignment has been scheduled for May.
Treñas, in a press conference, emphasized that while Lujan was temporarily out on bail, he remained accused in a criminal case.
“This means he has temporary liberty, but the case is still ongoing, with the People of the Philippines as the complainant. I’m happy that he is out on bail so he can continue posting (on Facebook), and I can continue filing,” said Treñas.
Treñas also pointed out that throughout his lengthy career in public service, he had never filed a case for cyber libel or libel against a member of the media or anyone else.
“But if you humiliate me and make a mockery of me, that’s a different matter. I think it’s really time to put an end to it,” he said.
The cyber libel charges against Lujan stem from social media posts that Treñas claims were malicious, defamatory, and intended to damage his reputation.
Prosecutor’s Findings
Assistant City Prosecutor Caryl Kate Fabella-Genova, in her resolution, stated that Lujan’s posts were malicious and lacked legitimate public criticism. She characterized the posts as aimed at discrediting the mayor with no justifiable motive.
The charges fall under Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), which imposes stricter penalties for defamatory acts committed online.
The case originated from complaints filed by Treñas in May 2024, concerning Lujan’s posts related to alleged investigations into the demolition of the Iloilo Central Market. Treñas clarified that reports about a UNESCO investigation were false and said Lujan used these reports to spread damaging information about him.
“He (Lujan) has been harassing me and my family for a long time for no reason at all. I have finally had enough of his cyber harassment,” Treñas stated.
Treñas also revealed that he had filed an additional eight counts of cyber libel against Lujan, along with administrative complaints before the Civil Service Commission./PN
