Actress Aiko Melendez. File Photo

MANILA, Philippines -- Actress Aiko Melendez on Wednesday attended the preliminary investigation hearing of the libel case former boyfriend Patrick Nemeses filed against her and several others for allegedly maligning him by spreading malicious rumors.

Co-respondent and showbiz personality Ogie Diaz was also present.

Meneses, however, and co-complainant, Pandi, Bulacan Mayor Enrico Roque, were a no-show.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the transfer of venue of the preliminary investigation from Bulacan to its main office in Padre Faura, Manila as requested by Melendez and other respondents. In a Department Order dated January 18, 2012, DOJ Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez was designated as the handling prosecutor in the case.

Melendez asked for the transfer of venue in the interest of impartiality, citing that Meneses is a prominent politician in the province, being the mayor of the town of Bulacan.

In Wednesday's hearing, the respondents' lawyers questioned the inclusion of a Joint Resolution on the case dated November 25, 2011 by the Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor's Office, stressing that the resolution was "irregular" since the DOJ ordered the transfer of venue of the preliminary investigation.

In the said resolution, the case against Melendez, Diaz and other respondents was dismissed; only respondents Pete Ampoloquio and Ronald Rafer were recommended to be charged.

Suarez asked the lawyers to state their concern in a manifestation. He stressed that the resolution was merely received by him as part of the official records of the case transmitted by the Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

Meneses and Roque filed separate complaints for libel against Melendez, et al. before a Malolos trial court for allegedly spreading malicious rumors about Meneses' gender orientation and linking the complainants romantically.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Melendez said she is hoping that the case will be concluded soon so she and complainants can move on with their respective lives.