By Xander Ledesma
Political commentator and vocal critic of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, Humphrey Elvira, is now grappling with five new charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175). Filed on November 15, 2024, these allegations bring the total number of cases against him to ten, further intensifying his ongoing legal battle.
Elvira, the administrator of the Facebook page “Kamatuoran sa Opon” (Truth of Opon), is known for his unrelenting criticisms of the local government. His social media platform has gained a significant following as a hub for political discourse and accountability but has also sparked controversy. While supporters laud Elvira for exposing alleged corruption and governance issues, detractors, including allies of Mayor Chan, accuse him of crossing the line into defamation and misinformation.
The new charges revolve around posts allegedly containing defamatory remarks targeting Mayor Chan and other officials, claiming corruption and administrative failings. These complaints underscore the legal tension between protecting free speech and addressing the misuse of online platforms. Critics of Elvira argue that some of his posts venture beyond legitimate political critique, veering into personal attacks and unverified claims that harm reputations.
Elvira’s critics have cited provisions of Republic Act No. 10175, which classifies cyber libel as the public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, or defect via electronic means, done with intent to discredit or damage another’s reputation. The penalties for cyber libel mirror those for traditional libel but include stricter measures for acts conducted online.
Elvira, a tattoo artist who transitioned into political commentary on social media, has defended his posts as a form of holding public officials accountable. His sharp rhetoric and allegations against Mayor Chan’s administration have made him a polarizing figure in Lapu-Lapu City.