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Advocates Philippines
Senator Hontiveros Files Cyber Libel Charges Over 'Systematic Attacks' On Witnesses And Truth
Photo credit: Senator Risa Hontiveros
Senator Risa Hontiveros took a firm stand against the spread of disinformation and what she described as “systematic and deliberate attacks” on witnesses and truth-tellers, as she formally filed a criminal complaint for cyber libel at the Department of Justice (DOJ) this morning.
The complaint names Michael Maurillo, who allegedly produced a video “full of lies,” as the primary respondent. Six others, whom the senator said amplified the falsehoods and added further baseless accusations, were also charged: Byron Cristobal, known online as “Banat By”; Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz; Krizette “Kiffy” Chu; Jay Sonza; Alex Distor, also known as “Tio Moreno”; and Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.
“This is not just a case of fake news,” Hontiveros said in her statement. “This is a systematic and deliberate attack — not just on me — but on the witnesses and other individuals who, despite their fears, bravely came forward to tell the truth.”
According to her legal team, cyber libel was the appropriate charge to file, citing the respondents’ apparent disregard for whether the information they published was true and the additional false claims they allegedly made.
Hontiveros underscored the broader implications of these acts, noting how targeted attacks can intimidate and silence witnesses and discourage others from coming forward. “What they did was not mere carelessness,” she said. “They chose to spread lies, and even embellished them, knowing the harm it would cause.”
She added that today’s filing at the DOJ covers the cyber libel complaint against Maurillo and the six named vloggers and personalities. In parallel, she said she expects the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to continue its own investigation into her earlier complaint.
“I remain hopeful that truth and justice will prevail,” Hontiveros concluded.
The senator’s move highlights the growing concern over disinformation campaigns and online harassment in the country, particularly those targeting individuals engaged in sensitive or controversial investigations.
The complaint names Michael Maurillo, who allegedly produced a video “full of lies,” as the primary respondent. Six others, whom the senator said amplified the falsehoods and added further baseless accusations, were also charged: Byron Cristobal, known online as “Banat By”; Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz; Krizette “Kiffy” Chu; Jay Sonza; Alex Distor, also known as “Tio Moreno”; and Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.
“This is not just a case of fake news,” Hontiveros said in her statement. “This is a systematic and deliberate attack — not just on me — but on the witnesses and other individuals who, despite their fears, bravely came forward to tell the truth.”
According to her legal team, cyber libel was the appropriate charge to file, citing the respondents’ apparent disregard for whether the information they published was true and the additional false claims they allegedly made.
Hontiveros underscored the broader implications of these acts, noting how targeted attacks can intimidate and silence witnesses and discourage others from coming forward. “What they did was not mere carelessness,” she said. “They chose to spread lies, and even embellished them, knowing the harm it would cause.”
She added that today’s filing at the DOJ covers the cyber libel complaint against Maurillo and the six named vloggers and personalities. In parallel, she said she expects the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to continue its own investigation into her earlier complaint.
“I remain hopeful that truth and justice will prevail,” Hontiveros concluded.
The senator’s move highlights the growing concern over disinformation campaigns and online harassment in the country, particularly those targeting individuals engaged in sensitive or controversial investigations.
Jul 9, 2025
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