MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, filed cyber libel complaints against seven individuals with the Department of Justice. The complaints are related to a viral video alleging that Senator Hontiveros coerced a witness into perjury.
The respondents include lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, Byron Cristobal (alias Banat By), Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Rhegie “Krizette” Chu, Jose “Jay” Sonza, and Alex Destor (alias Tio Moreno).
Also named in the complaint is Michael Maurillo, a former Senate witness who claimed in the viral video that Senator Hontiveros bribed him to commit perjury during a Senate hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Senator Hontiveros has denied all these allegations.
"When reckless falsehoods are hurled against those who serve with integrity, justice demands a response. It is a grave injustice for a Senator, who has championed human rights and fought against corruption, to be maliciously and falsely accused of bribery without any evidence," she stated in her complaint.
She added, "These are not harmless words. This is a deliberate attack, spread through the vast reach of social media, designed to destroy reputations and discredit powerful voices."
Senator Hontiveros emphasized that in an era where digital platforms can instantly amplify voices, it is even more crucial to use freedom of expression responsibly and in good faith. "While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of our democracy, it is not a license to inflict harm," she added.
One of the respondents, lawyer Topacio, stated that he has not yet received the complaint.
Hontiveros had previously filed a request with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify the video's creators and investigate vloggers suspected of amplifying and exaggerating the false claims.
The incident's catalyst, Maurillo, had appeared as a witness in a Senate inquiry presided over by Senator Hontiveros, exposing alleged impersonation and human rights abuses by Quiboloy. He claimed to have witnessed armed members of the Duterte family at Quiboloy's 'Glory Mountain' compound. Maurillo voluntarily contacted Senator Hontiveros's office in December 2023 and January 2024 to provide information. However, last month, he was seen in a widely circulated video retracting his previous testimony.
This complaint is seen as a warning against online misinformation and defamation. The rapid spread of malicious slander against politicians through social media has become a global issue, not just in the Philippines. Finding a balance between freedom of expression and responsible information dissemination is emerging as a critical challenge in the digital age. The outcome of this case is highly anticipated.
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