Provincial info officer faces 3 cyberlibel raps over posts vs Iloilo City mayor

The Iloilo City Prosecutor's Office has formally filed three counts of cyberlibel against Jose Nereo Lujan, head of the Iloilo Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office, for online comments critical of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The prosecutor's office, in a resolution signed by Deputy City Prosecutor Thaddeuse Guadalope, found prima facie evidence against Lujan.

Lujan is accused of posting statements that allegedly contained false, malicious, and defamatory content on Facebook.

Specifically, prosecutors identified three social media posts that tend to cause dishonor, discredit, and contempt, including one from June 11, 2023, where Lujan reposted a video accusing Treñas of ignoring traffic laws.

The criticisms stem from a controversy over a city hall project that led to the demolition of a heritage structure at the central market.

Mayor Treñas stated that freedom of expression does not permit the ridicule or humiliation of public servants and that criticism should not be used to unfairly damage reputations with baseless accusations.