THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has found probable cause to charge 19 individuals with cyber libel, and 18 of them with perjury over allegations made against former national security adviser Eduardo Año.
In a 17-page resolution dated July 13, the National Prosecution Service (NPS) recommended cyber libel charges against Belnard E. Tube, Rosebert M. Waupan, Benny S. Bulotante, Johnny A. Buduan, Rodante P. Orbillo, Reyneboy O. Julian, Christopher T. Esquivel, George O. Villalon Jr., Romeo Rommel O. Bobares, Gil N. Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely G. Cadiao, Rommel C. Galapon, Cecilio S. Larroder Jr., Bernard A. Gumban, Crisanie L. Dado, Fidel M. Corpuz, Walter M. Manalansan, and lawyer Levito Baligod.
It also recommended perjury charges against 18 respondents who signed the Pinagsamang Sinumpaang Salaysay, but dismissed the perjury complaint against Baligod after finding he was not one of the signatories.
The complaint arose from a joint affidavit dated Feb. 23, 2026, submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, and statements made during a Feb. 24 press conference at the Club Filipino in San Juan City.
Año, who served for 46 years in government — including as National Security Adviser and Interior secretary — claimed the respondents’ statements damaged his reputation.
The prosecution panel stressed that its finding of probable cause does not determine whether the allegations against Año were true or false, but whether the respondents made or published the statements with reckless disregard as to their truth or falsity.
The panel ruled that all respondents except Baligod signed the sworn affidavit, making them answerable for perjury. Baligod, however, remains included in the recommended cyber libel charge for his alleged participation in the publication and dissemination of the statements in question.
The resolution, signed by Assistant State Prosecutors Gabriel Justine Ramos, Marilyn Macauba-Ballega, and Corian Salcedo, recommends the filing of the corresponding charges before the appropriate court.
If approved, the case will move to the trial courts, where prosecutors must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
