The decision to file cyberlibel charges against lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 former soldiers in four separate regional trial courts (RTCs) was defended by the Department of Justice (DoJ), saying the move strictly followed rules governing jurisdiction and venue.

The complaints were filed in the RTCs of Caloocan City, Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City and San Juan City on Tuesday, 28 July.

The DoJ said the informations were filed in strict adherence to the applicable rules on jurisdiction and venue.

It stated after Baligod criticized the filing of the cases in different courts, saying the move would make it more difficult for the respondents to defend themselves.

In a Facebook post, Baligod said that the cases were “spread” across different RTCs and questioned why the DoJ did not wait for their motion for reconsideration before filing the informations.

However, the DoJ said filing all the cases in a single venue without a legal basis for each offense would itself violate the applicable rules.

Different rules

It said filing all the cases in a single venue, without a legal basis for each offense, would itself be contrary to those rules.

The DoJ said that for cyberlibel cases, the venue is determined under Section 2.1 of the Rule on Cybercrime Warrants.

For perjury, the department said venue generally lies where the allegedly false affidavit was subscribed and sworn.

Earlier, the DoJ approved the filing of multiple charges against Baligod and the 18 former soldiers, who have been collectively referred to as the “18 Maleta Boys.”

Baligod faces four counts of cyberlibel, three jointly with the 18 former soldiers and one in his individual capacity. No perjury charge was recommended against him.