DURING a press conference in Quezon City, the Camp of Filipino fashion designer Avel Bacudio vehemently denied the statements allegedly made by his former friend and vlogger, Maharlika.
Bacudio and Maharlika, also known as Claire Contreras, used to be close friends in real life.
In fact, they both supported the Uniteam of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2022 elections.
However, Maharlika is now known as a critic of the Marcos administration.
Among the allegations denied by Bacudio’s camp is the claim that he bribed presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos with an expensive watch to secure a government project.
They also denied that First Lady Liza Marcos was the reason why their family obtained Schengen and US visas, and refuted the claim that Bacudio received kickbacks from the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Bacudio’s camp also denied Maharlika’s explosive claims on her YouTube channel that Bacudio immediately bought millions worth of property after president Marcos won the election.
“We categorically deny all of those allegations. And we shall prove in the court of law that those are all false,” according to Atty. Oliver Baclay, Jr., Lead Counsel for Avel Bacudio.
As a result, Bacudio filed a $2-M cyberlibel case against Maharlika in the US Central District in Los Angeles.
According to the complainant, he wouldn’t have filed a complaint if he didn’t want trouble, but many have been affected by the vlogger’s criticisms.
“Of course, it’s a bit saddening because she called me her BFF, so it’s sad. So, my family said, my sister said, let’s just pray. But now, people are being affected who shouldn’t be involved, like the first family. They’re being dragged into this,” according to Avel Bacudio, filed complaint against Maharlika.
Bacudio maintains that his relationship with the first family is only limited to clothing, and that’s where their connection ends.
According to US-based Filipino lawyer Arnedo Valera, cyberlibel is decriminalized in the US.
“This is purely a civil matter, it is not a criminal matter. Because when you litigate that libel, it will come out. They will really look at the intention, the deep reasons why you said that. And what your reasons are. So, now it goes into evidence,” according to Atty. Arnedo Valera, US-based Filipino lawyer.
Maharlika has been served summons since the case was filed on January 24.
Bacudio’s camp is demanding $2-M in counter damages.
Maharlika yet to respond to the case.
