In a significant legal victory for press freedom and public accountability, the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office has dismissed all five counts of cyber libel filed by businessman and contractor Jerome Awit against prominent radio commentator Edward Ligas.
Prosecutor Finds No Basis for Charges
The dismissal was formalized in a 14-page joint resolution dated November 19, 2025. The prosecuting team concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges against Ligas for allegedly violating Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
In an interview with Superbalita Cebu, Ligas hailed the decision as a major triumph. He emphasized that the victory was not his alone but belonged to the citizens of Mandaue City. He connected the outcome directly to his work exposing what he described as anomalies and substandard government projects.
A Victory for the People of Mandaue
"This is not just my victory, but a victory for the people of Mandaue who stood against corrupt officials and contractors who siphoned government funds through flood control projects and other substandard endeavors," Ligas declared.
The criminal case originated from Ligas's radio programs and his Facebook posts, where he was critical of LZLREJ Trading and Construction Corp., a company owned by Awit. Ligas had specifically scrutinized a failed rip-rap project in Barangay Maguikay on October 29, 2024, along with other multi-million peso flood control initiatives in Mandaue.
Billions in Contracts Under Scrutiny
According to documents obtained by Ligas, Awit's company had secured more than 20 contracts in the 6th District, valued at approximately P1.4 billion. The commentator had also accused Awit of conspiring with 6th District Representative Lolypop Ouano-Dizon to obtain these projects. Ligas maintained that the libel case was a form of harassment meant to silence his criticism.
Guided by his lawyer, Atty. Don Anthony Eballe, Ligas successfully defended his position. The prosecution's resolution was clear in its finding, stating: "Finding NO prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction... the undersigned recommends for their DISMISSAL."
This dismissal reinforces the crucial role of media commentators in holding power to account and highlights the legal hurdles faced by those who use cyber libel laws to stifle public discourse on government projects.
