Actress Claudine Barretto filed a complaint against showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 21, for what she described as the “last straw” following the latter’s recent remarks against her.
Barretto arrived at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City at around 2:09 p.m. accompanied by her lawyer, Atty. Lance Abrahm Mateo.
According to Mateo, they will take their case to the NBI’s Cybercrime Division against Fermin and her co-host Romel Villamor, also known as Romel Chika.
She previously warned at an interview that she is ready to file a cyber libel complaint against Fermin after she made comments about the actress’ mental health and hospitalization in her “Showbiz Now Na!” vlog last Oct. 17.
“Last straw na ‘to,” Barretto firmly told reporters.
She further expressed, “I’m very hurt. My children are very hurt. My fans are very hurt.”
In a letter read aloud by her lawyer, Barretto belied Fermin’s claims that she has bipolar disorder. The actress was said to be diagnosed with anxiety, panic disorder and depression.
“Hindi ba ‘yun mocking people with mental health issues?” she asked.
She said that they have prepared to take legal action against Fermin since last year.
He then said that the actress had already executed her affidavit.
When asked about the possible charges the two hosts may face, Mateo said “Wala pang clear and definite as of this moment, but we’re hoping that this investigation would lead to a cyber libel complaint,”
In a cease-desist letter earlier issued to Fermin and Villamor, Barretto’s camp urged them to stop “harassing” as well as “making untruthful, scandalous, and damaging remarks” regarding the actress.
They further said that their actions have “possible criminal and civil liabilities for damages, among other violations”.
Barretto also expressed that there were threats in Fermin’s statements that were directed to her.
“And also, to quote Director Matibag, threats po ‘yung ginagawa niya. May threats na kasama ‘yung pambu-bully niya,” she said.
According to Barretto’s lawyer, they have yet to receive a response from the Showbiz Now Na! host.
The actress then stressed that she will not settle if they ever made efforts to make amends.
“Walang wala ‘yung complaints ni Bea Alonzo at tsaka ni Sharon Cuneta sa lahat ng mga pinagsasabi nya sa akin, sa pagkatao ko,” she said, citing the cyber libel complaints of the two actresses against the showbiz columnist.
The actress also said that there are other celebrities who are preparing to take Fermin to court.
When asked about her statement to Fermin, she said, “Happy Halloween.” (Holly Bacay © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
