Cristy Fermin says she is ready to face Bea Alonzo’s online libel complaint

Cristy Fermin said that she is ready to appear in court after Bea Alonzo filed an online libel complaint against her, Ogie Diaz, and their co-hosts on their respective programs.

According to “24 Oras” report Friday, the showbiz columnist said this in her show, adding that they don’t have a copy of the complaint yet.

“Hindi pa po namin alam kung anu-ano ba ang nilalaman ng kaniyang sinumpaang salaysay kung bakit siya nagdemanda ng kasong libelo,” she said.

However, Fermin said that they respect Bea’s right to file any case, but she said that this will not be a reason to restrain her free expression.

Earlier, Diaz posted a statement, apologizing for not responding to journalists asking for statements and updates.

“Makakarating din naman sa amin yan para sagutin sa takdang panahon,” Diaz said.

“Pero eto ha? Ayoko nang magpakaplastik. Tulad ng lagi naming hinihirit sa ‘Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update,’ sila pa rin ang gusto naming magkatuluyan sa ending,” he said.

Bea's complaint affidavit states she was the victim of false, malicious, and damaging information from someone who pretended to be close to her, which was published and discussed on Diaz and Fermin's online shows without any basis.

This included the alleged successive insults to the actress in their columns and shows, as well as the issue of her allegedly not paying the correct tax.

Her legal counsel Atty. Joey Garcia said, “she was greatly devastated, she was affected by all these defamatory statements thrown against her.”

Bea and her former fiance Dominic Roque made headlines in February following their split. This was confirmed by Boy Abunda on his show, “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”—Carby Basina/LDF, GMA Integrated News