A MANILA trial court has allowed news website Rappler to file a motion seeking to dismiss a cyberlibel suit against it and its founder.

Judge Rainelda H. Estacio-Montesa gave Rappler and Chief Executive Officer Maria A. Ressa 10 days to file the pleading, according to a copy of the order. Prosecutors will have 10 days to answer.

The case will be submitted for decision after that, the court said.

Businessman Wilfredo D. Keng sued Rappler for publishing an article on May 29, 2012 that said he owned a car used by the late Chief Justice Renato C. Corona and was involved in illegal activities.

The Senate convicted Mr. Corona in 2012 for corruption, — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

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