Cebu Prosecutor Indicts Radio Commentator for Grave Slander Over Riprap Project
The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office has determined there is probable cause to indict radio commentator Edward Ligas for grave slander. This decision stems from allegations that Ligas connected a contractor to a P127-million riprap project in Mandaue City, which he claimed was substandard, during protest actions and on social media platforms.
Prosecutor's Resolution and Charges
In a joint resolution dated February 13, 2026, and approved by Deputy Prosecutor Maria Theresa Calibugan-Casiño, the office stated there was reasonable certainty of conviction against Ligas for the grave slander charge. However, the prosecutor's office dismissed the complaints for slander by deed and cyber libel, citing a lack of sufficient basis for these allegations.
Complaints Filed by Contractor Jerome Awit
The three complaints against Ligas were filed by contractor Jerome Awit, who serves as president and director of ZLREJ Trading and Construction Corp. Awit alleged that Ligas repeatedly accused him of involvement in the allegedly substandard riprap project located in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City.
Awit expressed relief at the prosecutor's findings, stating, I'm glad the Office of the Prosecutor found credence in my complaint. I always bring my issues to the courts rather than to social media. Regarding the dismissed complaints, he added, As for the dismissed complaints, my lawyer would know better what course of action to take.
Allegations of Public Humiliation
Awit claimed that Ligas publicly humiliated him during an anti-corruption protest organized by cause-oriented groups on September 14, 2025. According to Awit, a certain Victor Tuyor Jr. informed him that a large caricature of his face was displayed beside that of a politician under the label Hall of Shame.
During the rally, Ligas allegedly mentioned Awit's name multiple times and linked him to the substandard riprap project. On September 21, 2025, Ligas also participated in the National Day of Protest in Cebu City, where he reportedly made statements that harmed Awit's reputation.
The following day, September 22, Awit alleged that Ligas posted a photo from the protest on his Facebook page, with a caption accusing him of involvement in the P127-million substandard riprap project. Awit cited a preliminary assessment report from the Department of Public Works and Highways, which indicated that adverse weather conditions caused soil instability issues.
Ligas's Defense and Prosecutor's Dismissals
In his counter-affidavit, Ligas maintained that he was merely exercising his right to free expression and seeking transparency and accountability in the use of multibillion-peso public funds for flood control projects.
The prosecutor's office dismissed the slander by deed complaint, stating there was no sufficient proof that the gesture was a personal affront specifically directed at the complainant's individual honor. Regarding the cyber libel complaint, the resolution noted that a close perusal of the Facebook post showed the context was a plea to the government to take action on alleged anomalies in flood control projects, including ghost and substandard projects.
