The legal camp of Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday challenged personalities from the Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) to address their ongoing robbery-extortion and cybercrime charges within the proper judicial system instead of airing defenses online.
Speaking after a court hearing, Romualdez’s spokesperson, Atty. Elaine Atienza, declined to delve into specific details of the sub-judice matter but expressed absolute confidence in the prosecution’s stance.
“But what we can say right now is that we are confident in the strength of our case and our evidence, and the court is the proper forum where we can test this evidence,” Atienza noted.
Atienza reminded all involved entities to observe proper legal decorum and exercise restraint while active litigation takes place.
“Of course. That goes for all, as lawyers and parties to the case, we are all enjoined and instructed not to talk about the merits of the case before the media and social media,” she said.
Addressing the public, she emphasized that accountability is a mandate of the judiciary, urging netized audiences to look past digital narratives.
“And we encourage the public to be more circumspect, to be able to judge what we see on social media. Because ultimately it is the court that will decide,” Atienza added.
When questioned about online campaigns aimed at dismantling the credibility of the case, Atienza made it clear that their camp refuses to litigate through public opinion or engage in internet speculation.
“We respect the court process, and we trust that the court will view this matter fairly. Ipinapaubaya po natin sa korte ang paglilitis at pagtingin sa mga ebidensyang ipipresenta ng mga parties,” she said.
(Translation: We leave the trial and the evaluation of the evidence to be presented by the parties up to the court.)
The spokesperson firmly dismissed allegations that the criminal charges constitute an assault on press freedom, drawing a clear line between journalism and alleged criminal acts.
“This is not about press freedom. In fact, we encourage people—if they have anything against any person, they can report that to the authorities. But we should always follow the process,” Atienza explained.
While Romualdez was absent during Thursday’s hearing, Atienza assured that the lawmaker is fully prepared to cooperate with judicial demands if summoned.
“Si Speaker, hindi siya nakadalo ngayon dito sa hearing but he’s duly represented by counsel. If magkaroon, or if ma require yung kanyang presence or participation in the case, whether by the court or under the rules, he will comply,” she said.
The Speaker was unable to attend the hearing today but he is duly represented by counsel. If there is a need, or if his presence or participation in the case is required, whether by the court or under the rules, he will comply.
Atienza concluded by underscoring that public relations campaigns will have no bearing on the final verdict.
“At the end of the day, this case will not be decided by hashtags, speculation, or social media theatrics. It will be decided by evidence, by law, and by the courts,” she concluded.