SEVERAL charges may be filed against the administrators of the Facebook page “Cebu Updates,” including cyberlibel and usurpation of property, a Cebu City official said.
The Cebu City Government is looking for the people behind the Facebook page of Cebu Updates, which used to be the official Facebook page of the Cebu City Public Information Office (PIO).
City Administrator Collin Rosell, in an interview on Sunday, July 23, 2023, said that once the City identifies the people behind the Facebook page, they will be charged with civil, administrative and criminal liabilities.
Rosell emphasized that if it is proven that the Facebook page is owned by the City, they will take necessary actions to recover and protect its property.
“They have taken advantage of it. They can easily create it (Facebook page). Why use government property?” Rosell said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
On Saturday, July 22, Cebu Updates posted a statement following the warning of the City officials that charges may be filed against the administrators of the page.
“Cebu Updates is here to keep you informed about everything happening in our beloved city. Our main objective is to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about the events, developments, and most importantly, the actions of our city’s leaders,” read a portion of its statement.
The statement also carries its message to Mayor Michael Rama. The group said that its intention is not to tarnish anyone’s image but “to promote a better Cebu for everyone.”
Cebu Updates has 236,000 likes and 311,000 followers, while the current official Facebook page of the Cebu City Public Information Office, Cebu City. News & Information, has 35,000 likes and more than 62,000 followers.
Cebu Updates identifies itself as a nongovernmental organization with an address at the North Reclamation Area.