‘Ahong’ files libel charges versus vlogger

Local

LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan filed five counts of cyber libel against a local vlogger, who is a staunch critic of his administration.

In a press conference on Monday, November 4, Chan said the filing of five cyber libel charges against Humprey Elvira is just the start.

The mayor said he is planning to file 20 counts of cyber libel against Humprey Elvira, who is also a tattoo artist.

Chan accused Elvira of spreading “malicious and libelous” content on his Facebook page, “Kamatuoran sa Opon,” claiming that these posts violate Paragraph (c), Section 4 of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Chan characterized Elvira’s statements as “utterly false, defamatory, and maliciously and publicly posted,” asserting that they have harmed his reputation.

Chan provided details about the dates of the alleged libelous posts, which appeared publicly on September 8, September 13, September 19, October 8, and October 9.

His legal team currently investigates additional posts by Elvira that may lead to more charges.

Reflecting on the ongoing tensions, Chan recalled that Elvira filed a plunder case against him in April 2022, which did not succeed. Since that time, he said Elvira has targeted Chan with personal attacks.

The mayor noted that Elvira ran for City Councilor in 2022 and participated in the Barangay SK elections in Canjulao but failed in all occasions.

Chan emphasized that he welcomes constructive criticism, but Elvira’s attacks have crossed the line.

He said that he had arranged a three-hour discussion with Elvira through a mutual friend, hoping to resolve their issues, but found that nothing changed. The personal attacks from Elvira continued despite this effort.

Chan suggested potential political motivations behind Elvira’s actions, indicating that a politician might support him.

He speculated that Elvira's motive could involve seeking favors that he did not receive. He also mentioned that there might be connections to Elvira's tattoo business.

Elvira has yet to issue a public statement regarding the cyber libel complaints against him.(MyTVCebu)