By Benjamin Pulta | Philippine News Agency
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday filed cyber libel charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against seven individuals in connection with a viral video accusing her of allegedly coercing a witness to give false testimonies.
Named as respondents are lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Byron Cristobal alias Banat By, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Krizette “Kiffy” Chu, Jose “Jay” Sonza, and Alex Destor alias Tio Moreno.
Also named in the complaint is former Senate witness Michael Maurilio (alias “Rene”), who claimed in the viral video that Hontiveros bribed him to testify against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy during a Senate hearing presided by the senator.
Hontiveros denied the allegations.
“When lies are hurled recklessly at those who serve with integrity, justice demands a response. It is a grave injustice when a senator—who has long stood for human rights and fought against corruption—is falsely accused of bribery by individuals who offer no proof, only malice,” she said in her complaint.
“These are not harmless words. They are deliberate attacks, spread through the vast reach of social media, designed to destroy character and discredit a voice that challenged the powerful.”
In an era when digital platforms can amplify voices instantly, Hontiveros said it becomes all the more important to use the right to freedom of expression with responsibility and in good faith.
“While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of our democracy, it is not a license to wound,” the lawmaker added.
Topacio said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint.
Hontiveros earlier submitted a complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seeking assistance to unmask the producers of the videos and investigate vloggers who allegedly amplified and embellished the false claims.
Maurilio came forward as a witness in the Senate probe last year, exposing alleged abuses by Quiboloy and asserting that he witnessed armed Duterte family members at Quiboloy’s Glory Mountain compound in Davao City.
Based on screengrabs released by Hontiveros, Maurilio voluntarily contacted her office and provided information in December 2023 and January 2024.
Last month, he appeared in a widely circulated video in which he recanted his earlier testimony.
