House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe (Zamboanga City second district) filed a cyber libel case against The Manila Times on April 28 in Zamboanga City. The case pertains to the publication of an alleged leaked document detailing a “political strategy” of the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas during the campaign period for the May 12 midterm elections. The document reportedly included plans to disqualify candidates supported by Vice President Sara Duterte, whose impeachment trial has not yet commenced. Among the respondents in the complaint are Dante Francis M. Ang II, Michael Alexander M. Ang, Anna Marie A. Thompson, Dante A. Ang, Ma. Preciosa Monica Dv. Ang, Joanna Paola Dv. Ang, Michele Denise D. Saludo, Joseph Noel M. Estrada, Arnold Belleza, Leena Calso Chua, Lynette O. Luna, Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, Conrad M. Cariño, Emil Noguera, Frederick Nasiad, Dafort Villaseran, Rene H. Dilan, Red Mendoza, Kaiser Jan Fuentes, and Catherine S. Valente. The article, titled “Leaked paper lays out poll attack plan,” was published on April 23 by Mendoza, Fuentes, and Valente. Dalipe, also the executive vice president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), emphasized that the case was filed to protect his reputation and stop irresponsible accusations. The complaint alleges a violation of Cyber Libel under Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act 10175 in relation to Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code. Dalipe, who is running for mayor, stated that public office is a public trust, and he is committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability. He accused the respondents of publishing a defamatory article on The Manila Times’ website and Facebook page, claiming that he signed the alleged leaked document titled “Mid-Election Final Campaign Sprint Action Plan.” The article alleged that Dalipe engineered a plan to impeach Vice President Duterte, orchestrated efforts to disqualify her supported candidates, and participated in propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Dalipe denied these allegations, calling them entirely fabricated and baseless. Report by Frencie L. Carreon / MindaNews.
