Veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin and her co-host Romel Chika appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following a subpoena issued by its Cybercrime Division over a cyber libel complaint filed by actress Claudine Barretto.
In a report of DZRH's Jecelle Ricafort, Fermin said in an ambush interview they would wait for the complaint to be forwarded to the Office of the City Prosecutor before submitting their counter-affidavits.
She stressed that they would address the allegations at the appropriate stage of the proceedings, leaving it to the prosecutor to determine whether the complaint has sufficient merit.
Fermin also responded to Barretto's reported “Happy Halloween” message to them, saying they would rather greet the actress “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year.”
Fermin further took a swipe at Barretto, saying the actress should not compare herself to veteran actress Sharon Cuneta, whom she described as a much bigger name.
She also maintained that their programs and online content would continue despite the legal complaint, insisting that Barretto's actions would not stop them from working.
“Napakalaki ng pangalan ni Sharon Cuneta. Huwag natin kumpara sa kanya. Ang SNN, regular pa rin. Ang Cristy per minute, nandyan pa rin. Hindi naman sapat si Claudine Barretto para patigilin kami sa pagtatrabaho,” Fermin said.
The complaint stemmed from Fermin's alleged remarks about Barretto's supposed bipolar disorder, financial dependence on her sister Gretchen Barretto, and alleged cosmetic surgery procedures.
Barretto previously described the complaint as her “last straw,” saying she had endured repeated statements about her for years and would pursue legal action even if Fermin and Chika offered an apology.
