Alberto August Case Referred to DPP for Independent Review

With more from our interview with the Interim Minister of Home Affairs Julius Espat, there is the matter of Alberto August.  Espat announced this week that he has directed that August’s cyberbullying case be referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.  It is a case that was initially investigated as an internal police matter despite then Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira being the complainant.  Going forward, however, the case will now be reviewed by the DPP, who will determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges.  Espat told reporters that after consulting with the Attorney General, legal advisers and other officials, he concluded that the DPP, as the constitutionally empowered prosecuting authority, should make that determination.

Espat explained that no further action will be taken in the matter until the DPP reviews the case file and makes a decision. He added that if the DPP concludes there is no basis for prosecution, the charges will be dropped and any devices seized during the investigation will be returned immediately.  Espat added that the Cybercrime Act is still relatively new and said it is important that the law be tested through the proper legal channels.