Hontiveros files cyber libel complaint over ‘fake’ Maurilio videos

Appearing at the NBI headquarters with her legal counsel, Hontiveros said the complaint seeks to unmask the producers of the videos and investigate vloggers who allegedly amplified and embellished the false claims. (Photo: Senator Risa Hontiveros/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday filed a cyber libel complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), targeting those behind two videos of Michael Maurilio that she described as “dangerous lies” aimed at her.

Appearing at the NBI headquarters with her legal counsel, Hontiveros said the complaint seeks to unmask the producers of the videos and investigate vloggers who allegedly amplified and embellished the false claims.

“Hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring umaamin, wala pa ring nag-aangkin ng produksyon ng mga video ni Michael Maurilio (To this day, no one has claimed responsibility for producing the Michael Maurilio videos),” she said.

She also named Krizette Chu, Jay Sonza, Sass Rogando Sasot, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Banat By, and other content creators as among those included in the complaint for allegedly spreading disinformation.

“So far, isang dosena ang kinasuhan. Pero maaaring madagdagan pa ‘yan batay sa imbestigasyon ng NBI (So far, we’ve filed charges against a dozen individuals. But that number could still grow, depending on what the NBI uncovers),” she said.

Hontiveros clarified that the case was filed for cyber libel, not perjury or traditional libel, based on her lawyers’ advice.

She said that while she welcomes criticism as a public servant, she draws the line at what she called “psychological warfare.”

“Hinding-hindi ako papayag sa ganitong mga pagsisinungaling (I will never tolerate these kinds of lies),” she said.

Maurilio came forward as a witness in the Senate probe by Hontiveros, exposing alleged abuses by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and asserting that he witnessed armed Duterte family members at Quiboloy’s Glory Mountain compound.

He voluntarily contacted Hontiveros’ 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.

In the video, he claimed that he was coerced and even bribed to fabricate allegations against Quiboloy and the Dutertes. He also suggested that his original statements were influenced or manipulated.

Hontiveros said a Senate inquiry into the proliferation of fake news remains a possibility, recalling a previous initiative led by Senator Kiko Pangilinan in the 18th Congress.

She, however, stressed that her current focus is on the formal complaint in the hands of the NBI.

“This is just the first step. We will file additional criminal complaints as soon as the NBI identifies those behind the production and spread of the disinformation videos,” she said.

Hontiveros also raised fresh concerns over Maurilio’s whereabouts, saying the Senate received messages from Maurillo as recently as June 22 and 23, claiming he was being held against his will by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) at Glory Mountain.

She noted the emergence of a newly created YouTube channel called Pagtanggol Valiente – which published one of the contested videos – just a day after Maurillo’s last messages.

“I’ve asked the NBI to identify the people or groups behind it,” she said.

Hontiveros maintained she still prays for Maurillo’s safety but said he must also be held accountable for allegedly spreading lies.

If Maurilio was indeed coerced, she said, then rescuing him is even more urgent.