Razon files cyberlibel complaint against Barzaga

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. Chairman Enrique K. Razon, Jr. has lodged a cyberlibel complaint against Cavite Rep. Francisco A. Barzaga, who accused the ports and casino tycoon of corruption and bribery in Congress.

In a complaint filed with the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on Jan. 14, Mr. Razon alleged that Mr. Barzaga accused him of masterminding corruption in Congress.

Mr. Razon filed two counts of cyberlibel against Mr. Barzaga and is seeking civil damages of at least P100 million for moral damages and P10 million in exemplary damages, saying the accusations caused emotional distress and hurt his reputation.

Mr. Razon’s complaint stemmed from Mr. Barzaga’s social media accusing him of being the mastermind behind corruption and bribery.

He denied all the accusations and said that “all elements of cyber libel are present: the statements accused him of crimes such as corruption and bribery, they were published publicly through Facebook and amplified by news sites, they were maliciously made, and he was specifically named.”

The suspended lawmaker said he is prepared to face Mr. Razon in court, vowing to pursue his alleged bribery case through Congress and a formal case filing.

“I will be taking the Enrique Razon bribery case to court,” he said in a video statement published on his Facebook page. “I will be presenting the evidence of my claims in both Congress and in court.” — Ashley Erika O. Jose and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio