Walden Bello seeks DOJ review of cyber libel case, deferral of arraignment

Former vice-presidential candidate Walden Bello was arrested on August 8, 2022 on cyber libel charges filed by former Davao City employee Jefrey Tupas.

Leomar Doctolero

MANILA, Philippines — Longtime activist and former vice-presidential candidate Walden Bello is asking the Davao City court to defer his arraignment on a case of cyber libel that has been brought to the justice secretary for review.

In a filing with Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 10, lawyers Luke Espiritu and Danilo Balucos entered their appearance as counsel for Bello and informed the court that a petition for review of the case had been filed before Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla on July 29.

"Consequently, the accused respectfully asks for deferral of the arraignment and further proceedings, while the petition is being reviewed by the Honorable Secretary," Bello's lawyers said.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/15/2202848/walden-bello-seeks-doj-review-cyber-libel-case-deferral-arraignment