Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecutors dismiss cyber libel charges against Cagayan de Oro journalist
State prosecutors have dropped criminal complaints for cyber libel and data privacy violations against broadcast journalist Menzie Montes in Cagayan de Oro City. The charges, filed by a city government official, stemmed from a news report covering delayed scholarship benefits.
LSN Philippines ·
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Prosecutors have dismissed cyber libel and Data Privacy Act violation charges against broadcast journalist Menzie Montes, according to a 13-page resolution dated June 11, 2026.
The complaints were filed by a department head of the city government over a news report by Montes regarding delays in the distribution of public scholarship benefits. The dismissal marks a significant development in the case, which had raised press freedom concerns in the region.
The resolution represents a legal victory for the journalist, who was facing potential criminal sanctions related to coverage of a matter of clear public interest. Scholarship program delays are typically subject to journalistic scrutiny as they affect students and families throughout the city.
The decision comes as the Philippines continues to grapple with issues surrounding cyber libel laws and their application to legitimate journalism. Courts and prosecutors have increasingly scrutinized such charges when they appear to target news reporting on government matters.