Paolo Duterte files libel, cyberlibel complaints against NBI chief, GMA executives and journalists

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 23, 2026

Photo courtesy: Politiko

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte filed libel and cyberlibel complaints on Friday, October 23, against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., and several GMA Network executives and journalists over allegations of cash deliveries involving the Duterte family.

The complaints followed a September 25 report on GMA’s 24 Oras featuring Gracioso’s claims that he delivered suitcases containing large sums of money to members of the Duterte family between 2018 and 2021.

Among the allegations was a supposed ₱100-million delivery to Paolo Duterte. Gracioso also claimed that Vice President Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte received billions of pesos during the same period.

The Duterte family has denied the allegations, while Paolo Duterte maintains that he neither knows Gracioso nor received money from him.

In filing the complaints, the lawmaker accused the respondents of spreading false information that damaged his reputation.

Those named include GMA Network executives Felipe Gozon and Gilberto Duavit Jr., as well as news personalities Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales and Emil Sumangil.

Duterte’s lawyer, Peter Paul Danao, said the congressman is seeking ₱10 million in moral damages and another ₱10 million in exemplary damages.

The controversy stems from Gracioso’s sworn statement alleging that he transported cash under the instructions of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. Velasco’s camp has also denied the claims.

The NBI has been investigating the allegations, with Matibag previously inviting individuals named in Gracioso’s affidavit to provide their accounts.

Paolo Duterte has questioned the investigation and challenged authorities to present evidence supporting the accusations against him.

Meanwhile, GMA Network said it would review the complaints once it receives an official copy.

Matibag has also indicated that he would await the formal complaint and rely on the legal process to address the allegations.

The filing opens a separate legal proceeding from the NBI’s investigation into the alleged cash deliveries.

The accusations against the Duterte family remain unproven, while the libel and cyberlibel complaints have yet to result in any finding of liability against the respondents.