DA Chief Files Cyber Libel Complaints vs. Baligod, Co
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has filed cyber libel complaints against lawyer Levito Baligod and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Rizaldy Co before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on March 19.
The agriculture chief cited what he described as a sustained campaign of defamatory statements targeting both his office and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Tiu Laurel accused Baligod of repeatedly making allegations in press briefings and on social media, claiming supposed anomalies and незакон acts within the DA, including the alleged diversion and misuse of public funds. He firmly denied these accusations, calling them baseless and malicious.
A separate complaint was filed against Co over statements made in a series of video recordings. These included allegations involving the First Lady’s supposed interference in agency matters and claims linking her brother, Martin Araneta, to onion importation or smuggling activities.
The DA chief said the legal action follows his earlier challenge for Co to substantiate his claims.
“This feels like a distraction from the work I need to do as Agriculture Secretary, especially during these challenging times. But I will no longer allow myself to be their punching bag,” Tiu Laurel said in an interview.
He added that the accusations from Baligod first emerged during a press conference involving a group of military personnel who alleged the delivery of illicit funds to public officials. The claims also linked the DA to supposed ghost irrigation projects—allegations Tiu Laurel rejected outright.
“I first saw these statements online at my residence in Makati City, which falls under the jurisdiction of this fiscal’s office,” he said. “These statements are false, malicious, and intended to discredit both my integrity and the agency.”
Tiu Laurel emphasized that the repeated public statements, allegedly made with malicious intent, constitute cyber libel under Philippine law. The offense carries penalties of up to 12 years imprisonment or fines reaching as much as ₱1.5 million.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
