By Nycel Jane Dela
The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Capiz found probable cause for cyber libel against India “Mamang India” Lavapiez of Baskog Radyo following an investigation into statements made during her radio program and Facebook livestreams.
In a 36-page joint resolution covering NPS Docket Nos. VI-06-INV-26C-00103 and VI-06-INV-26C-00104, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Cherie Lyn Villa concluded that the evidence was sufficient to indict Lavapiez for alleged violations of Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in relation to Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code.
The resolution stated that Lavapiez’s broadcasts and online livestreams allegedly contained repeated personal attacks and accusations against Cindy Grace Bermejo-Francisco, a former Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member of Sigma and a candidate for vice mayor during the May 2025 elections.
The joint resolution dated May 22, 2026 and only publicly released this week was approved by Associate Provincial Prosecutor and Officer-in-Charge Christopher George Orola.
Prosecutors recommended that the information be filed before Branch 19 of the Regional Trial Court in Roxas City, the designated Special Cybercrime Court handling cybercrime-related offenses in the province. The court also recommended bail of P10,000 for Lavapiez’s provisional liberty.
Meanwhile, station manager Jay Lavapiez and the other respondents named in the complaint were cleared after prosecutors found insufficient evidence to hold them criminally liable.
Cyber libel, as defined under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, covers allegedly defamatory statements made through computer systems, including social media platforms and online broadcasts, and carries penalties provided by law upon conviction.
