DOJ reverses earlier decision, recommends cyber libel charges vs. Topacio and five vloggers

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 10, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Rista Hontiveros/Facebook

The Department of Justice has reversed its earlier decision to dismiss Senator Risa Hontiveros’ cyber libel complaint and recommended the filing of charges against a lawyer and five social media personalities accused of spreading allegations that she paid a former witness to fabricate testimony against religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.

In a resolution dated October 29, the DOJ found sufficient evidence to prosecute lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and vloggers Byron Cristobal, known as Banat By; Jeffrey Celiz; Krizette Chu; Jose Sonza, or Jay Sonza; and Alex Destor, also known as Tio Moreno.

The complaint stemmed from a viral video released in June 2025 featuring former Senate witness Michael Maurillo. In the video, Maurillo accused Hontiveros of giving him one million pesos to fabricate testimony against Quiboloy, former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Hontiveros denied the allegations and filed cyber libel complaints against Maurillo and the six other respondents in July 2025.

The DOJ initially dismissed the complaints against the six personalities, citing insufficient evidence. However, its latest resolution reversed that ruling, saying the respondents relied largely on Maurillo’s claims and their own interpretations without independently establishing the accusations as facts.

The department also found grounds to conclude that the statements were made with actual malice, going beyond legitimate criticism of a public official.

Hontiveros welcomed the reversal, saying freedom of expression and press freedom should not be used to justify the deliberate spread of false allegations against witnesses who testified in the Senate investigation into the alleged abuses involving Quiboloy.

The senator stressed that the case concerns not only claims against her but also statements that could undermine the credibility and safety of witnesses.

The DOJ’s recommendation does not mean the respondents have been found guilty. They remain entitled to due process, and their criminal liability will ultimately be determined by the courts.