Late last week, Pulong Duterte filed a criminal complaint for cyber libel naming several journalists among the respondents. He filed the criminal complaint in Davao City. A few days later, a Davao City court issued a warrant of arrest for cyber libel, and veteran journalist Philip Lustre was arrested.These charges appear to be fabricated and intended to intimidate journalists.

Mr. Lustre’s case exemplifies a fabricated charge and should raise concerns about the actions of both the prosecutor’s office and the court.