CAGAYAN de Oro City — A local journalist will not face criminal charges over social media posts about delayed government scholarship payments after the City Prosecutor's Office dismissed cyberlibel and data privacy complaints filed against him. 

The case involved RMN dxCC and iFM Cagayan de Oro news director Menzie Montes, who posted information about a scholar's complaint over delayed tuition payments and stipends under the City Education and Development Department (CEDD). 

Montes said he welcomed the decision, particularly because the issue involved students waiting for their financial assistance. 

"I am happy kay pabor ang decision sa public samot na sa mga bata nga Scholars sa LGU CDO," Montes said. 

Complaint over Facebook posts 

The complaint stemmed from an incident in late 2025, when a city scholar approached RMN dxCC over delayed tuition payments and stipends. 

Montes posted the scholar's concern on Facebook and arranged an on-air interview with acting CEDD head Richel Petalcurin-Dahay to get the city office's side. 

Petalcurin-Dahay later withdrew from the scheduled interview shortly before it aired. Montes then posted screenshots of their conversation to explain to listeners why the interview did not push through. 

Petalcurin-Dahay subsequently filed criminal complaints, alleging that the publication of the screenshots violated her privacy under Republic Act 10173, or the Data Privacy Act, and damaged her reputation. 

Prosecutor dismisses complaints 

In a decision dated June 11, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Robbie James D. Yparraguirre dismissed the complaints. 

The prosecutor's ruling cited the nature of the post and the official's public function in determining that the complaints did not establish criminal liability. 

The decision found no defamatory intent, noting that the post did not accuse the official of corruption or bad faith but dealt with a matter of public interest. 

It also held that communications involving an official's public duties are not necessarily treated as private information protected from disclosure under the Data Privacy Act. 

The dismissal means Montes will not face prosecution based on the complaints. 

Reminder for journalists 

The case has also renewed discussion among local media practitioners about press freedom, public-interest reporting and the need for journalists to verify information and seek responses from all sides. 

Montes said journalists should not be discouraged from doing their jobs because of the possibility of legal complaints, while emphasizing the importance of accuracy and fairness. 

"Dili mahadlok mag balita basta tinood lang, mao importante verify and balance sa news. Get side both sa gi complaint og sa nag complaint," Montes said.

 

He also thanked the volunteer lawyers who provided legal assistance from La Viña Zarate and Associates, the Union of Peoples' Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM), and the Cagayan de Oro Press Club. 

Montes said the experience reinforced his belief that journalists should remain courageous while observing professional standards. 

"Be brave and courageous ikaw ang voice sa mga voiceless. I know sometimes maka question ka why? Pero naay purpose ang God for everything, trust with the Lord always and Pray," he said.