Journalist Philip Lustre to seek transfer of cyber libel case out of Davao City

Veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. will ask the court to move the cyber libel case against him out of Davao City, his lawyer said at a press briefing on Wednesday, according to GMA News.

Lawyer Dino De Leon said the defense is preparing several pre-arraignment remedies, including a motion for reinvestigation, a motion to quash, and a request for a change of venue "because we do not feel safe in Davao City." He linked the request to what he described as the Duterte family's known tendency toward violence.

De Leon said the complainant in the case is lawyer Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Police arrested Lustre in Quezon City on Saturday on a cyber libel warrant issued by a Davao City court. He has since been temporarily released after posting bail.

The defense has also written to Davao City Prosecutor Jhopee Avanceña asking for confirmation of the prosecutor's relationship with Honeylet Avanceña, the partner of former president Rodrigo Duterte. National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag earlier said the two are cousins. De Leon said the defense was surprised that the prosecutor signed off on the case given the reported family ties.

Lustre's lawyers are also asking the prosecutor's office for proof that subpoenas and summons were served on him, and for details of efforts made to find his correct address. His camp earlier said it was examining an apparent violation of his right to due process, saying he never received a subpoena or notice during the preliminary investigation.

Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon has also said Lustre was denied due process because he was not given a chance to answer the complaint before the arrest warrant was issued, GMA News reported.