MANILA— Entertainment journalist Cristy Fermin was acquitted of cyberlibel charges filed by actor Dominic Roque after a Pasig City court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove malice or falsity in her statements.

The case, filed in 2024, stemmed from Roque’s allegations that Fermin made “malicious statements and innuendos” about him on her online show Showbiz Now Na. Roque became the fifth high-profile figure to sue Fermin, following complaints from Sarah Lahbati, celebrity couple Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan, and his ex-girlfriend Bea Alonzo.

On February 18, Fermin received a paper signed by Pasig City Regional Trial Court Judge Manuel Gerard C. Tomacruz indicating her acquittal. The judge noted that the prosecution failed to “establish beyond a reasonable doubt the veracity of the subject statements” or demonstrate that Fermin acted with reckless disregard.

“Since the prosecution failed to meet this satisfactorily prove actual malice, the accused should be acquitted,” the court paper read.

In a message to fellow journalists, Fermin expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout the case.

“Mara­ming salamat lang ang puwede kong ibalik sa matinding suporta, tiwala, at pagmamahal,” she said. “Awa ng Diyos, tapos na! Wala na, tapos na lahat. Maraming salamat sa walang kuwestiyong tiwala, suporta at pagmamahal.”

Bea Alonzo had earlier withdrawn her complaint against Fermin, opting to resolve their differences through mediation. Similarly, Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan also dropped their charges, while complaints by Sarah Lahbati’s family were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.