Lustre defense to seek transfer of cyberlibel case out of Davao City, citing safety
Lawyer Dino de Leon says journalist Philip Lustre Jr.'s camp will ask for a change of venue and is weighing countercharges against complainant Mans Carpio.
The legal team of journalist Philip Lustre Jr. plans to ask that his cyberlibel case be moved out of Davao City, saying they do not feel safe travelling there, according to Politiko.
Lawyer Dino de Leon disclosed the plan in an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel's At The Forefront with Atty. Karen Jimeno. He said a motion for change of venue would be the defense's first step, and that the team is also considering countercharges against complainant Mans Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.
"We do not feel safe in Davao City, considering the proclivity of the Duterte family for violence," De Leon said. He backed his concern with crime figures he attributed to Philippine National Police data, and stressed the risk of travel for Lustre, who is a senior citizen. The Duterte family's side was not quoted in the Politiko report.
De Leon indicated that the defense intends to contest the case, but in a different venue.
Carpio filed the cyberlibel complaint against Lustre. The journalist was arrested in Quezon City on a warrant issued by a Davao City Regional Trial Court, and was later released on bail by Regional Trial Court Branch 10, Politiko reported.
Why it matters for Davao
If granted, a change of venue would take a high-profile case involving the Vice President's husband out of a Davao City court. The request also puts the city's safety record under public scrutiny through the defense's claims.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by POLITIKO. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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