Felix admitted that the case affected his mental health and physical well-being.
CAGAYAN DE ORO — A reaffirmation of the people’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Food heritage advocate John Sherwin Felix stressed this point after the Marikina City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the cyberlibel case filed against him. “As Filipino Food Month comes to a close, this development affirms the importance of critical discourse, accountability, and accuracy in representing our culinary traditions,” he said in a statement.
In an April 15 resolution, Marikina City prosecutors said that Facebook posts made by Felix criticizing the book Kayumanggi: A Kaleidoscope of Filipino Flavors and Food Traditions for inaccuracies do not show an adequate basis for the indictment of libel.
The book was authored by chef and Filipino food advocate Jose Antonio Miguel Melchor, the complainant. It was published and distributed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its Malikhaing Pinoy Program.
Read:Food heritage advocate sued for exposing errors in DTI-published cookbook
The complainant said that the pattern of statements made by Felix, “without verification, demonstrated intention to defame, humiliate, and incite public hatred and suspicion.”
The city prosecutors stressed that a libel conviction must prove several elements under Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code. These include the allegation of a discreditable act or condition concerning another, publication of the charge, identity of the person defamed, and the existence of malice.
They said that Felix cited various literature, including his fieldwork, in his comments. The prosecutors considered Felix’s Facebook posts as “fair commentaries.”
They also found no proof for Felix to make calculated critiques or to impute into Melchor any form of discredit or condition, aside from the fact that the latter does not personally know the complainant.
Moreover, the prosecutors said that Felix did not mention Melchor when he highlighted the use of public funds in his posts, as Felix wanted to pin accountability to DTI which is not a complainant to the case.
Considering that the said government agency’s involvement pertained to the publication and distribution of the book, the prosecutors said that Felix’s statements were protected by his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“Nevertheless, respondent is advised to temper his posts so as to dissuade any possible interpretation thereof imputing any person of any unfounded trivialities,” part of the resolution read.
Felix admitted that the case affected his mental health and physical well-being, and placed significant strain on his finances. However, the solidarity he received from the community pushed him to continue.
“I also extend my appreciation to my legal team, as well as to the many individuals and communities who supported me throughout this process,” Felix expressed.
He said that the concerns he raised to DTI remain unresolved as there was no public response issued despite his repeated attempts. “Public institutions have a responsibility to ensure accuracy, accountability, and transparency, especially in projects supported by public funds.” (DAA)
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