Commenting on the judge’s decision, Lead Counsel for the Defense Luke Espiritu said, “We regret the decision of Judge Fuentes but we are preparing for a long fight against the cyberlibel charge against D^r Bello. We remain confident that the courts will ultimately vindicate us.”

Defense Counsel Danilo Baculos added, “We highly appreciate that Judge Retrina Fuentes has been giving Professor Bello all the available remedies provided in the Rules of Court. Though disappointed with the dismissal of the Motion to Quash, we have high hopes that the courts will eventually rule in favor of the basic constitutional right of freedom of expression."

– Walden Bello Legal Defense Committee

Update 26 January 2023

Dear friends and colleagues :

Greetings ! I am sharing with you updates from the legal team of Walden Bello, who was arraigned today for the libel and cyberlibel cases filed against him by the press officer of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The arraignment of D^r. Walden Bello took place today at RTC Branch 10 in Davao City.

Our counsel refused to enter a plea owing to our position that the Informations are invalid, forcing Judge Retrina Fuentes to enter a not guilty plea for Walden.

In deference to the judge’s strong recommendation, a peaceful resolution is being explored by the Davao-based lawyers of both parties.

Even as these discussions are taking place, we are going ahead to raise legal questions oncyberlibel brought up by the case against Walden to the Supreme Court.

Walden Bello Legal Defense Committee

* * *

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In solidarity,

Leomar Doctolero
Staff and Legal Team Coordinator
Office of Walden Bello

PRESS RELEASE, NOV 27, 2023

UPDATE ON THE ARRAIGNMENT OF WALDEN BELLO FOR HIS CYBERLIBEL CASE FILED BY THE CAMP OF VICE PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE

The arraignment of D^r. Walden Bello took place on January 26, 2023, at Regional Trial Court Branch 10 in Davao City. Our counsel refused to enter a plea owing to our position that the “informations provided by the plaintiff are invalid,” forcing Judge Retrina Fuentes to enter a plea of not guilty for Walden.

In deference to the judge’s strong recommendation, a peaceful resolution is being explored by the Davao-based lawyers of both parties.

Even as these discussions are taking place, we are going ahead with our push to raise the case to the Supreme Court in order to discourage the weaponization of the libel and cyberlibel laws and protect freedom of speech from violation by abusive authorities and self-interested politicians.

– Walden Bello Legal Defense Committee