An arrest warrant has been issued against Cebu-based media personality Jude Bacalso for grave slander by deed, stemming from a controversial incident in July 2024. The Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 6 ordered the warrant after Bacalso allegedly reprimanded a waiter for mistakenly addressing her as “sir,” forcing him to stand for nearly two hours.
The complainant, a 24-year-old waiter referred to as Mark (not his real name), filed charges on August 28, 2024, citing psychological distress caused by the incident. Bacalso’s actions sparked public outrage and reignited discussions on gender sensitivity and workplace respect.
Mark reportedly suffered emotional trauma and claimed that Bacalso’s prolonged reprimand was degrading and abusive. Apart from grave slander by deed, Bacalso is facing additional complaints, including unjust vexation and slight illegal detention.
Bacalso, who initially defended her actions as a way to promote gender awareness, later issued a public apology, acknowledging that her approach lacked empathy. The controversy drew significant criticism online, with many calling for accountability and emphasizing the importance of treating service workers with dignity.
The court has set Bacalso’s arraignment and pre-trial for January 23, 2025. As of now, Bacalso has not publicly commented on the warrant or the upcoming legal proceedings.
