Nadine Lustre files complaint over malicious online attacks

Metro Manila, Philippines - Actress Nadine Lustre has filed a complaint after facing malicious attacks online.

Leila de Lima, representative-elect of Mamamayang Liberal party-list which Lustre endorsed, shared on Thursday, May 22, that the actress filed a case for violation of the Safe Spaces Act.

“This is a necessary step in a time when social media is being used to silence voices that speak for justice and reform,” De Lima posted on social media. “We believe in freedom of expression. Pero ang kalayaang ito ay hindi dapat gamitin laban sa katotohanan, dignidad, at demokrasya.”

[Translation: This freedom should not be used against truth, dignity, and democracy.]

“Marami sa mga lumalabas sa social media ngayon ay hindi maituturing na opinyon. These are part of deliberate effort to harass, discredit, and instill fear,” she added.

Women group Gabriela said the attacks became “relentless” after she voiced her political views.

"Ang pag-atake sa kababaihan tulad ni Nadine ay hindi isolated case. Ito ay bahagi ng sistemang patriyarkal na gustong patahimikin ang mga kababaihan, lalo na kapag nagpapahayag sila ng kanilang opinyon sa pulitika,” Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said in a statement.

[Translation: Attacks on women like Nadine is not an isolated case. This is part of a patriarchal system that wants to silence women, especially when they express their opinions on politics.]

Gabriela has filed a bill to improve the Safe Spaces Act by increasing penalties and addressing forms of violence online.

The group appealed to lawmakers to expedite the passage of the amendments to provide better protection for women.