Take Over Representation on Libel/Slander Case

I am writing to inquire whether your firm could represent me in a libel case in my hometown in the Philippines. I currently reside in the United States and have lived here for about 30 years.

Earlier this year, I began raising awareness on social media regarding what I believe to be corruption and negligence by our town mayor, citing publicly available data from [company removed] about approved funds that were not used to improve our town’s infrastructure and public market. Shortly after, a Barangay Kagawad—whom I have never met—posted malicious and completely unfounded allegations about me on Facebook, including a false claim that I was having an affair with a political candidate running against the mayor. These statements were clearly intended to damage my reputation and discredit my advocacy.

I initially hired a lawyer in Iriga to file a libel complaint. However, due to several procedural errors and delays in the preparation of documents, my complaint was first dismissed and had to be refiled after obtaining certification from the [company removed] verifying the authorship of the Facebook account. The case has now been refiled, but the defendant recently submitted a 16-page counter-affidavit citing multiple inconsistencies in the earlier filings.

Unfortunately, I have lost confidence in my current counsel’s handling of the matter and am concerned about approaching statutory deadlines. I have already paid my lawyer in full but feel that my case is not being handled with the urgency and expertise it requires.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to have one of your lawyers review my case and advise whether your firm could take over representation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,