MANILA, Philippines — Former television reporter Nico Waje has taken his legal battle in a new direction after filing a cyberlibel complaint over what he described as alleged online attacks and fake news surrounding the controversy involving his former colleague, GMA News reporter Athena Imperial.
The latest legal move comes shortly after the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City recommended the dismissal of complaints filed by Imperial against Waje for alleged acts of lasciviousness and violation of the Safe Spaces Act.
Waje’s decision to pursue a cyberlibel complaint marks another major development in a controversy that has drawn widespread public attention and sparked intense discussion across social media.
A New Legal Battle Emerges
The cyberlibel complaint centers on alleged false information and attacks circulated online, adding another layer to the highly publicized dispute.
The move follows months of legal proceedings that began in May 2026, when Imperial filed complaints against Waje before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. A separate former GMA News employee also filed a complaint against Waje, according to earlier reports.
Imperial had said at the time that coming forward was not an easy decision and that she intended to allow the legal process to take its course.
Waje later submitted a counter-affidavit in June, with his legal counsel saying he was prepared to answer the allegations against him.
Prosecutor Recommended Dismissal of Imperial’s Complaint
In August, reports confirmed that the public prosecutor recommended the dismissal of the complaints involving alleged acts of lasciviousness and a violation of the Safe Spaces Act.
However, the distinction between a prosecutor’s resolution and a court ruling is crucial. The recommendation for dismissal was made at the prosecutor level and was not a court decision. The parties may still pursue remedies available under the rules, including a possible motion for reconsideration.
Waje’s legal counsel welcomed the development, saying his client had been vindicated following the proceedings covered by the resolution. Imperial had not issued a formal public statement on the recommendation for dismissal in the reports reviewed at the time.
Online Debate Intensifies
The controversy has generated strong reactions online, with public discussion reflecting sharply divided opinions about the allegations, the legal process and Waje’s latest move.
For journalists and the public alike, the case highlights the importance of separating verified facts from speculation—particularly when allegations and legal disputes spread rapidly across social media.
A cyberlibel complaint, like any other legal complaint, remains subject to the appropriate legal process and does not by itself establish liability or guilt.
What Happens Next?
With Waje now pursuing a separate cyberlibel complaint, attention is expected to turn to how prosecutors and the parties involved will address the latest allegations.
The developments also underscore that a recommendation for dismissal in one proceeding does not automatically resolve every other pending or potential legal matter connected to a broader controversy.
As the legal process continues, the public will be watching closely for responses from those involved and for further developments from the proper authorities.
For now, one thing is clear: the legal battle surrounding Nico Waje is not yet out of the headlines—and his latest move has opened an entirely new chapter in the controversy.
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