The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the libel suit filed by actor Richard Gutierrez against entertainment website Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) for lack of probable cause.

The DOJ’s resolution was handed down the morning of July 9, which was immediately uploaded by PEP.

The case filed by Richard Gutierrez against PEP on April 13 alleged that the website posted a false story about him that besmirched his image and reputation.

The story, which was uploaded on March 29, reported that the actor had a squabble with Michael Flores during the birthday party of director Mark Reyes. The story also reported that Gutierrez had a gun with him at the time.

The camp of Gutierrez reacted to the story by filing a libel case against PEP at the Makati Regional Trial Court. The case named as respondents PEP’s editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon, managing editor Karen Pagsolingan, and writer Bong Godinez. The case was later transferred to the Department of Justice.

“I will fight until the end…para matama, para matuwid na. Para hindi nila basta-basta magagawa sa mga artista ang ganoon,” Richard was quoted as saying.

“Maraming artista ang nabibiktima ng ganitong klaseng false journalism at nagkataon lang na nangyari ito sa akin,” he added.

With the dismissal of the libel suit, latest reports claim that the camp of Gutierrez will still pursue the case.

Below is the reaction of Annabelle Rama, Richard’s mother, on the matter, as uploaded by PEP:

"May naglakad sa kaso dahil sa Makati kami nag-file, pero isang araw pa lang ang hearing, biglang nalipat sa DOJ ang kaso. Bakit hindi pinagbigyan ang fiscal ng Makati na maimbestigahan muna niya ang kaso? Wala bang tiwala ang DOJ sa mga prosecutor ng Makati? Bakit kinuha sa Makati ang kaso? Nagulat na lang kami dahil biglang sa DOJ ang hearing. May dumukot sa kaso.”

“First round pa lang ‘yan. Mag-enjoy sila. Hindi pa tapos ang laban! Sure winner si Richard dahil umamin ang PEP sa kanilang pagkakamali. First round pa lang ‘yan. Mag-enjoy sila. Hindi pa tapos ang laban dahil kakampi ko ang Diyos!"