by Leonardo Micua
Publicist and public relations practitioner Roman Baldovino, also known by his nom de plume “Gypsy,” has filed complaints for cyberlibel and unjust vexation against Pangasinan-based vlogger Jaime Aquino before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Nueva Ecija, in Cabanatuan City, on April 8, 2026.
Baldovino is from Carranglan town in Nuevo Ecija, while Aquino is from Mapandan, Pangasinan.
The complaint stems from a February 20 Facebook vlog where Aquino allegedly made defamatory remarks, including calling Baldovino incompetent and a “banana and kamote Q vendor,” and suggesting his removal from his position.
Baldovino, a veteran media practitioner and current consultant to Rep. Gina de Venecia, denied the claims, describing them as baseless and malicious, adding that damage to credibility in media is severe and lasting
He is seeking ₱2 million in moral damages. If proven guilty, Aquino may face imprisonment and fines under cyberlibel laws.
In the Philippines, cyberbullying-related offenses may lead to six month to six years imprisonment and fines ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 , or even higher under certain provisions of cyber libel laws.
Baldovino was once the entertainment columnist of the Manila Bulletin and Vanity Magazine, aside from being former society columnist of the Regional Examiner. He also worked as producer of the “Pira-pirasong Pangarap”, an award-winning radio drama aired on DZBB, recognized by the Catholic Mass Media Awards as Hall of Fame for Best Radio Drama.
In seeking criminal action against Aquino, Baldovino emphasized that in the media industry, credibility is everything—and once destroyed, it is almost impossible to recover.
“He (Aquino) is extremely malicious. Losing credibility when you work as a media operator is like a death sentence, which is why I am fighting for my integrity,” Baldovino said in a press statement.
Atty. Jervin T. Marasigan, Baldovino’s counsel, emphasized that while free speech is protected, it does not cover defamatory statements that harm a person’s reputation.