Cristy Fermin appears at NBI, faces cyberlibel raps
ENTERTAINMENT columnist Cristy Fermin, co-host Romel 'Chika' Villamor and their legal counsel appear before the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Pasay City on Monday as they responded to a subpoena issued by the bureau in connection with a cyberlibel complaint filed against them by actress Claudine Barretto.
Photograph by Zedrich Xylak Madrid for DAILY TRIBUNE
Entertainment commentator Cristy Fermin appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday to acknowledge a cyberlibel complaint filed against her by actress Claudine Barretto.
Fermin attended the proceedings following a subpoena directing her to appear before NBI cybercrime investigators.
"First of all, we are here out of respect for the agency," Fermin said. "We cannot ignore an institution like the NBI, which is doing its best to process and resolve cases."
Despite responding to the subpoena, Fermin said that on the advice of her legal counsel, she chose not to submit a formal counter-affidavit to the NBI.
The complaint stems from Barretto's allegations that Fermin engaged in repeated public attacks against her.
"We agreed that we will submit our answer once the case is elevated to the prosecutor's office," Fermin explained, adding that she will defer to prosecutors to determine whether the complaint has legal merit.
NBI director Melvin Matibag assured both parties that the bureau will conduct an impartial investigation into Barretto’s allegations.
"What we can assure the public is that when you come here, everyone is treated under the exact same standards," Matibag said.