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.
The video, widely circulated online, featured former Senate witness Michael Maurilio alleging that Hontiveros paid him to deliver false testimony during a Senate investigation involving former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Named in the complaint are lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, vloggers Byron Cristobal (alias Banat By), Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Krizette “Kiffy” Chu, Jose “Jay” Sonza, and Alex Destor (alias Tio Moreno). Maurilio, who made the retraction in the video, is also listed as a respondent.
“These are not harmless words,” Hontiveros stated in her complaint. “They are deliberate attacks, spread through the vast reach of social media, designed to destroy character and discredit a voice that challenged the powerful.”
Hontiveros emphasized that while freedom of expression is a right, it does not give anyone the liberty to spread falsehoods that damage reputations.
“When lies are hurled recklessly at those who serve with integrity, justice demands a response,” she said.
Topacio, in a brief statement, said he had not yet received a copy of the complaint.
Hontiveros previously sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to trace the producers of the video and identify vloggers who allegedly amplified the defamatory claims.
Maurilio, who had voluntarily approached Hontiveros’ office in late 2023, initially testified before the Senate about abuses allegedly committed by Quiboloy and said he had seen armed Duterte family members at the Glory Mountain compound in Davao.
However, in June 2025, Maurilio appeared in a video recanting his earlier testimony—a move that prompted Hontiveros to take legal action.
The DOJ is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation into the case in the coming weeks. (Philippine News Agency | Benjamin Pulta)