Kiko Pangilinan, Sharon Cuneta withdraw cyberlibel case after Cristy Fermin's public apology

In a rare moment of reconciliation in Philippine showbiz and political circles, Senator Kiko Pangilinan and wife Sharon Cuneta have officially withdrawn their cyberlibel case against veteran entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin, following the latter’s public apology on her YouTube channel.

Entertainment host Ogie Diaz shared the heartwarming development on social media, revealing that the parties met in court on July 8, 2025, not to escalate conflict but to settle the matter peacefully.

“Nakakatuwa. Okay na sila ngayon,” Diaz wrote. “Kung matatandaan natin, nagsampa ng cyberlibel case ang mag-asawang Sen. Kiko Pangilinan at Sharon Cuneta. Matapos humingi ng public apology si Ate Cristy… heto’t nagkita na sila sa korte para iurong ang kaso.”

In her public statement, Fermin said:

“Kung nakapanakit tayo ng kalooban, marunong naman tayong humingi ng tawad.”

The case stemmed from earlier online commentary made by Fermin that Pangilinan and Cuneta deemed defamatory. However, the couple acknowledged the sincerity of Fermin’s apology, choosing to close the chapter not with litigation but with forgiveness.

Diaz reflected on the gesture as a sign of maturity and healing:

“Hindi naman sa korte lang lagi ang lugar para ipaglaban ang karapatan at katotohanan. Pwede namang mag-usap nang puso-sa-puso.”

The reconciliation was also notable for the decades-long professional relationship between Fermin and Cuneta, which reportedly influenced the decision to reconcile amicably.

The outcome has sparked positive reactions online, with netizens praising all parties involved for their humility and grace.