This photo shows Mar Valbuena with members of transport group Manibela in a protest against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice has recommended the filing of libel charges against the chairman of transport group Manibela Mar Valbuena due to his remarks against Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Valbuena’s statement was aired on television, social media and video sharing platform YouTube, which makes the case qualified under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. However, the grave threat raps filed against the Manibela chief were dismissed as his statements against Bautista was more of a query more than a threat, according to the Justice department.
“The issues upon which the charges are built pertain to factual matters that cannot be threshed out conclusively during the preliminary stage of the case,” the resolution read.Piston, one of the transport groups who opposes the program, which is supported by Manibela, recently filed a petition for temporary restraining order against the PUVMP after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that there will be no more extensions for the franchise consolidation deadline.