MANILA, Philippines – Actress Ruffa Gutierrez was elated over the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reverse its earlier resolution dismissing the multi-million-peso libel complaint filed by the actress’ brother against an entertainment Web site.

Ruffa told ABS-CBN News that the decision of the DOJ to file a libel case against 3 staff members of the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) before a Makati court was a welcome development and an early Christmas gift for Richard Gutierrez and the rest of her family.

“Magandang balita ito para sa amin especially kay Chard (Richard’s nickname) since he’s been through a lot this year. Naniniwala pa rin ako na may justice dito sa Pilipinas. However long it may take, alam ko ang kapatid ko walang kasalanan,” Ruffa said in an interview during the press conference for her movie “Shake, Rattle and Roll XI.”

The actress reiterated that Richard is an alleged victim of “fabricated news” that got published in PEP’s Web site.

She said “in the spirit of Christmas” she hopes PEP “will find it in their hearts to realize what they did.”

Ruffa was referring to PEP’s exclusive story on gun-toting incident purportedly involving Richard and another actor. The article, Richard complained, gave an impression that he was a troublemaker.

He filed a P25-million libel complaint against PEP editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon, managing editor Karen Pagsolingan and writer Ferdinand "Bong" Godinez in April.

Ruffa said she has yet to talk to her younger brother regarding this new development.

“I haven’t talked to Richard. ‘Yong nalaman ko ‘yong news naging emotional ako. Alam ko lahat ng hirap ng kapatid ko. If 2009 is a difficult year for him, alam ko 2010 will be the best [year] for him ever because he has a good heart,” she said.

She also assured that her family is not closing their doors to a possible reconciliation as long as PEP will make the “first move.”

She said: “Kung ang Diyos nga nagpapatawad tayo pa kaya? Pero dapat maging clear ‘yon kasi siyempre lahat naman tayo may iniingatang [pangalan]… ayaw nating maging biktima ng mali maling balita.”

In July of this year, the DOJ dimissed Richard's libel complaint against PEP due to "lack of probable cause." Last week, the DOJ reversed the resolution as it directed the Makati prosecutor's office to file the libel case against Maglipon, Pagsolingan and Godinez.

According to PEP, it is set to appeal the latest decision of the department.