Veteran journalist and writer Philip Lustre Jr. has been released on bail following his arrest over a cyber libel case filed in Davao City.
In a social media post titled “AM OUT ON BAIL,” Lustre said he had been released approximately 45 minutes before posting. He thanked his supporters and fellow journalists who helped raise the ₱48,000 bail required for his temporary liberty.
According to Lustre, broadcast journalist Ariel Ayala led a fundraising effort that collected ₱50,000 in less than an hour. He also credited his friend Jarius Bondoc for helping arrange for an inquest judge to attend to his case on Saturday night, allowing him to post bail.
Lustre questioned aspects of the complaint and arrest process, claiming that the documents he received did not identify the complainant and that he had not been provided with a separate information sheet.
He also alleged that the timing of his arrest on a Saturday would have kept him in detention over the weekend. These claims have not been independently verified.
Lawyer Dino Singson de Leon, who represented Lustre, confirmed his release in a Facebook post.
“I am happy to report, after tirelessly working the entire day, that we secured today the provisional liberty of veteran journalist and writer, Philip Lustre Jr.,” de Leon said.
“Hanggang may mga lumalaban para sa tama, hinding hindi mananaig ang mga taong gusto tayong patahimikin, lalong lalo na ang mga kapatid natin sa media. Hinding hindi tayo pasisiil,” he added.
Lustre also said Senator Risa Hontiveros visited him at the police precinct, while Representative Jude Acidre contacted him to offer support.
