Cyber libel case comes in threes for undeterred Cristy Fermin

"I'm glad court suits are piling up for Cristy Fermin," a high school principal-now US-based cousin sent me once.

Always abreast with current showbiz news, my cousin is obviously aware of the successive cyber libel cases which the veteran radio anchor-online host is facing these days.

In March, Esther Lahbati lodged a complaint against Fermin with the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.

In an interview story, the respondent noted the difference with the way cases are now dealt with. Whereas the parties involved before had to show up at the scheduled time of the hearing, their names are sounded off now.

Only then are they allowed inside the courtroom.

Fermin clearly described how Mrs. Lahbati looked during their supposedly first ever meet-up. With the aid of a walking stick, Fermin noticed how Sarah's mom has considerably aged. Her recognition of Lahbati was, no doubt, old photo-based.

It was at their said meet-up at the court where Fermin lauded how understanding the other party was toward the demands of her work. Fermin reasoned out she could not make it to future hearings due to conflict in her work schedule.

That of Lahbati's case up against Fermin — unbeknown to the latter — turned out to be the "buena mano" of sorts.

Came early part of May, Fermin was slapped with a similar case this time by Bea Alonzo (who also filed a separate complaint versus Ogie Diaz). Alonzo's case is with the Makati Prosecutor's Office.

The Kapuso actress' case sent shock waves to Cristy who initially acknowledges the universal truth that it comes with the territory.

To prove that libel or cyber libel is part and parcel of the writing profession, Cristy, in the vernacular, likened it to "parang dila at ngipin 'yan na magkasama (They're like tongue and teeth that go together)."

Despite her grasp of the hazards of her job, Cristy couldn't help but begrudge Bea for the latter's total disregard for all her positive, favorable items she has both written and said about her on radio/online.

In particular, Cristy is fiercely harping on Bea's lack of gratitude: "Magpasalamat man lang muna siya (At the very least, she should be thankful).

Not only was Cristy caught by surprise with Bea's legal action. Lolit Solis — who was the actress' indefatigable detractor for the longest time in recent memory — was shocked Bea had spared her.

Caught in the legal crossfire, Lolit could only play safe by wishing both parties — Bea and Cristy — iron out their creases. But really, how could Bea have shrugged off Lolit's cruddy articles about her when those were far more pejorative?

As we often say, it comes in threes.

Cristy faces her third cyber libel case jointly filed by Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan, also at a court in Makati City.

"There's so much unfairness," the Megastar lamented of her case in support of her affected children Frankie, Miel and Miguel.

For her part, Cristy reserved her thoughts about the complaint pending receipt and perusal of the affidavit contents.

But as far as Sharon is concerned, it occurs to us that she has reached the tipping point. She confessed to having made amends with Cristy years ago, and how unfortunate they had to end up this way as though their rekindled ties hardly mattered.

Having to wrestle with three cyber libel cases simultaneously, do her regular listeners/viewers expect a humbled Cristy, cautious with her language and fair with her opinionated thoughts?

On the contrary, she even proudly stated, "The ones who are charging me (with cybel libel) are leveling up! Sa tingin n'yo, sino kaya ang susunod...si Julia Roberts (Who do you think will come next)?"

Meanwhile, Vice Ganda made an insinuation on "It's Showtime" about the netizens' request to likewise prepare charges against a person in anonymity. She told on air, "Netizens are asking me to do so many things — there's the Asoka challenge, Pipiliin Ko ang Pilipinas, and some want me to file a case!"

Albeit anonymous, netizens were sure about who the TV host was picking on.

In yet another news item, US-based Giselle (or simply G) Toengi posted an unsolicited advice to Cristy: "Retire...it's time!"

The former Viva artist won a good number of netizens to her side, all begging for Cristy bid showbiz her long-overdue goodbye.

Before that. Cristy, they insist, has to face the music.

For all her vast writing experience — libel suits notwithstanding — Cristy isn't the type who'll take this thought piece lock, stock and barrel, "You don't court libel or you end up in court."