Sharon Cuneta, Kiko Pangilinan file cyberlibel vs entertainment writer

MANILA, Philippines: Just days after actress Bea Alonzo made headlines for filing a cyber libel case against Cristy Fermin, former senator Francis «Kiko» Pangilinan and wife, actress Sharon Cuneta, have followed suit and filed the same case for «false, malicious and damaging information» regarding their personal and family affairs.

Accompanied by their legal counsel from the Britanico Sarmiento and Ringler Law Firm, Cuneta and Pangilinan filed the cyber libel charges on Friday at the Makati City Prosecutor's Office.

In an interview with showbiz website Pep.ph, Pangilinan said "[We filed] cyberlibel crime [because of] malicious and imputation and defamation of our persons. Sabi nga natin, na yes we are public figures, but we also have rights. Ang dami nagsasabi rin na kapag public figure kayo dapat tiisin niyo ang pagsisinungaling at paninira. (As we often say, yes, we are public figures, but we also have rights. Many people also say that when you're a public figure, you should endure lies and defamation.) But that's not the case, in fact we also have private rights, especially when the matter is not of public interest, meaning it's a personal issue or family matters and concerns, so that's why we're filing this case."

CYBERLIBEL COMPLAINANTS Former senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan and wife, actress Sharon Cuneta INSTAGRAM PHOTO/KIKO.PANGILINAN

He added that they were putting a stop to what they believed was «criminal behavior,» which should not even be allowed from the beginning.

«Of course, we are all familiar with the system on social media nowadays. It's all about getting more views, more subscribers, more shares, and so on. Spreading slander and lies just to become famous, just to increase their views and subscribers. So this is not right,» he said in Filipino.

Cuneta echoed her husband's sentiments, expressing the toll that baseless accusations and online harassment have taken on their family.

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«It affects your children, your family. I've lost sleep over it because even if it's not true, there will still be maybe five people who believe it. I have brought suits against maybe two people in the past over my 46-year career, so I'm not fond of this,