Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and wife Megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan have reached an out-of-court settlement with veteran showbiz reporter Cristy Fermin on the cyberlibel cases they filed against her in 2024.
In a statement, the Office of Senator Pangilinan confirmed that both parties have settled the case out of court.
The Pangilinans’ counsel, Atty. Maria Fricela Kim of the Britanico, Sarmiento, and Ringler Law Offices, disclosed that the parties have settled during a mediation procedure with the Philippine Mediation Center, and affirmed the settlement at the Makati Regional Trial Court 148 today, July 8.
“We also manifested that due to the settlement, we are permanently desisting from pursuing the case,” she said.
“Since the prosecution cannot proceed without the cooperation of the private complainants, Judge ruled that the case is dismissed for lack of evidence and Fermin is found not guilty,” the lawyer added.
Senator Pangilinan welcomed the dismissal of the case and expressed his gratitude to the Court and the mediation center for assisting in the settlement process.
“Ika nga nila ‘All’s well that ends well.’ We’re happy we can finally move forward from this case,” he said.
In October 2024, Fermin was indicted for five counts of libel filed against her by the Pangilinans in May that year. She posted bail as the cases were brought to the RTC.
The cases were based on a 2023 report by Fermin in her online show about the Pangilinan family.
PANGILINANS, FERMIN SETTLE CYBERLIBEL CASE
