Philippines Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Lawyer Over Cyber Libel Case

A regional trial court in the Philippines has issued an arrest warrant for lawyer Levito Baligod due to cyber libel charges filed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. The case arose from Baligod's public statements regarding allegations made by 18 former aides of fugitive ex-congressman Zaldy Co, who claimed they delivered cash to government officials, including Laurel. Baligod stated he did not receive prior court notices due to incorrect address information. The allegations have been denied by Laurel, who described them as false and damaging to his reputation. Baligod's arrest warrant was issued on June 15, 2026, but he only became aware of it recently. The case is part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption involving Zaldy Co and other officials. Baligod has not indicated whether he will contest the warrant or seek bail.

Key Points: • An arrest warrant has been issued for lawyer Levito Baligod over cyber libel charges. • The case involves allegations of cash deliveries to government officials by former aides of Zaldy Co. • Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. denies the allegations, calling them damaging and false.