Capiz Broadcaster Faces Four Cyber Libel Charges

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A radio broadcaster in Capiz has been charged with four counts of cyber libel filed by Sigma Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon.

The case was filed on Jan. 28, 2025, with the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Ronnie E. Bulacan, anchorman and station manager of DYOW Bombo Radyo-Roxas.

In his nine-page complaint (MPS No. 11-06 IN V-25A-00041), Eslabon accused Bulacan of subjecting him to public hatred, contempt, scandal, ridicule, and disgrace through his radio program, “Bombohanay Big-Time.” The program, which airs on Facebook under the account name Bombo Radyo-Roxas, allegedly contained defamatory statements against the mayor.

Eslabon cited four instances of alleged defamatory remarks:

1. Claims that the barangay assembly was being used for campaigning.
2. Allegations that Vice Mayor Christopher Andaya was offered PHP8 million to withdraw from running for mayor.
3. Reports that senior citizens were summoned to the municipal hall but received no benefits.
4. Accusations of delayed salaries for employees, with funds purportedly sourced from a cooperative due to the town’s financial issues.

The complaint also listed Jonard Compuesto, chief of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, as a witness.

The damages caused by the alleged defamatory remarks were not specified by Eslabon in his complaint.

The case was subscribed by Associate Provincial Prosecutor Christopher George Orola on Jan. 27, 2025, and attested by Provincial Prosecutor Maria Theresa D. Ignacio-Pineda.

Eslabon is running for re-election in the midterm elections against Andaya, his former party mate. The two parted ways due to political differences.

On Feb. 7, Bulacan responded to the charges, stating that he has yet to formally answer the accusations.

“My lawyer is currently studying the case. I have evidence to support my statements,” Bulacan said, adding that he will provide the Daily Guardian with a copy of his response.