Photo credit: Atty. Josabeth Alonso

After a long legal battle, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray can finally heave a sigh of relief. The beauty queen and advocate secured a victory in the libel and cyber libel cases she filed against a showbiz writer and editor from tabloid BULGAR, marking the end of a four-year journey to clear her name.

Catriona’s lawyer, Atty. Joji Alonso, shared the good news on Instagram, expressing her gratitude and admiration for Catriona’s trust and patience throughout the ordeal. In her heartfelt post, Alonso wrote: “Finally, after 4 years, the libel and cyber libel cases filed by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray have been resolved. The writer and editor of BULGAR were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt, sentencing them to imprisonment."

The court’s ruling found both Melba R. Llanera, the writer, and Janice D. Navida, the editor, guilty of libel under the Revised Penal Code. Navida was also convicted of cyber libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The two were sentenced to imprisonment, with Llanera facing a term of six months to four years, and Navida receiving a more extended sentence of up to five years and five months.

Atty. Alonso continued her post by acknowledging the tough road they had traveled: “The journey was not an easy tread, but it was all worth it. This is not just a judicial win but a moral victory!”

Catriona Gray has always stood firm against false accusations, and this win signifies a crucial stand for truth and accountability, especially in the world of media and entertainment. Fans and supporters of the beauty queen have celebrated this victory, seeing it as a statement on the importance of responsible journalism.

For Catriona, it’s not just about winning the case—it’s about setting the record straight and reminding everyone that even in the face of adversity, justice will prevail.