Court issues arrest warrants for Fermin, Villamor, Alvarez in Alonzo libel case

A Quezon City court has issued arrest warrants for entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin, her co-host Rommel Villamor, and Wendell Alvarez in connection with a libel case filed by actress Bea Alonzo.

The court set bail at P48,000 each for the accused after finding probable cause to proceed with the trial.

Fermin and Alvarez have posted bail following the warrant of arrest issued against them, while Villamor is still arranging to post bail.

Alonzo filed three separate criminal complaints against Fermin, Ogie Diaz, and their respective co-hosts in May 2024 after false, malicious, and damaging information was spread about her from a so-called 'mystery basher'.

Fermin's legal counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio stated that they are preparing for her defense.

Alonzo's lawyer Joey Garcia emphasized the importance of addressing defamatory statements, noting this as an initial legal victory for his client and a statement of principle regarding free speech.