SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday filed cyber libel complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against seven individuals linked to a viral video accusing her of bribing a Senate witness to give false testimony.
Named in the complaint are lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Byron Cristobal (alias Banat By), Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Krizette “Kiffy” Chu, Jose “Jay” Sonza, Alex Destor (alias Tio Moreno), and former Senate witness Michael Maurilio.
Maurilio, who had previously testified in Hontiveros’ Senate hearings against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, claimed in the viral video that he was coerced and bribed by the senator—an allegation she strongly denied.
“When lies are hurled recklessly at those who serve with integrity, justice demands a response,” Hontiveros stated in her complaint.
“These are not harmless words. They are deliberate attacks meant to discredit a voice that challenged the powerful.”
She emphasized that while freedom of expression is a democratic right, it must be exercised with responsibility and good faith, especially on digital platforms.
Hontiveros had earlier sought help from the NBI to identify those behind the video and investigate vloggers who spread the false claims. Topacio said he has not yet received a copy of the complaint.
