Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray has been recommended by the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office to file libel charges against Bulgar entertainment editor Janice Navida and writer Melba Llanera over an article about Catriona Gray's ‘nude’ photos.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray had last month sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation against those spreading her fake topless photos online. She said local tabloid Bulgar caused “immeasurable damage" to her reputation by publishing an article with an alleged topless photo of hers.
In the circulated demand letter, Catriona also mentioned that the tabloid tried to “maliciously” capitalize on the issue involving ex-boyfriend Clint Bondad with the fake photos. She and her camp also named the individuals involved, including Bulgar editor Janice Navida, and writer Melba Llanera.
The teaser for the article, which featured the alleged topless photo, was published July 18 and, as of writing, can still be viewed on Bulgar's Facebook page. The article itself was printed by the tabloid on July 19. Hence, Gray had also asked the paper to pay P10 million as settlement and for a public apology.
In a post published through Bulgar's Facebook page, one of the three photos shows a topless female which Navida allegedly claimed to be the complainant. With this, the city prosecutor has recommended that appropriate charges should be filed in court. Recommended bail is P30,000 for each respondent for libel, and another P48,000 for Navida for cyberlibel as she was also indicted for cyberlibel over a Facebook post on the former Miss Universe.
The QC Office of the City Prosecutor has resolved the libel and cyber libel complaints filed against Navida and Llanera, entertainment editor and entertainment writer, respectively, of Bulgar Tabloid. The legal notice further said, “There was a finding of probable cause justifying a well-founded belief that the crime of libel and cyber libel have been committed wherein both Ms. Navida and Ms. Llanera are liable.”
As a committed advocate of women’s right and responsible journalism, Catriona remains firm against abusive media practices and would not waiver in championing causes that would bring about justice and accountability.