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Advocates Philippines
PCG's Jay Tarriela Files Cyber Libel Complaint Against Vlogger Sass Rogando Sasot; Cites Malicious Online Attacks
Photo credit: Jay Tarriela
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, has filed a cyber libel complaint against vlogger Sass Rogando Sasot before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, July 4.
In a statement posted on X, Tarriela said the complaint was filed with the legal assistance of the advocacy group Movement Against Disinformation (MAD), describing the move as a necessary response to what he called “baseless, malicious, and deeply personal online attacks” that he said undermined both his private life and his work as a public servant.
“Today, I have filed a cyberlibel complaint against Ms. Sass Rogando Sasot, with the legal assistance of the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD),” Tarriela wrote.
“This legal action is a necessary response to a series of baseless, malicious, and deeply personal online attacks that have targeted not only my private life but also my duties as the Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea of the Philippine Coast Guard,” he explained.
While acknowledging the importance of free expression in a democracy, Tarriela also underscored the limits of that right, particularly when it veers into disinformation and personal defamation.
“While I fully respect the role of free speech in a democratic society, that freedom does not extend to the willful spread of disinformation, personal defamation, or efforts to erode public confidence through falsehoods,” he said.
He added that his decision to take legal action goes beyond defending his own reputation, aiming to send a message about the need to protect public servants from abusive behavior online.
“This step is not solely about defending my name—it is about standing up for every public servant who silently endures online abuse and misrepresentation. I hope this case sends a clear message: that truth matters, and that those who serve the public deserve both respect and protection from malicious attacks,” Tarriela said.
He ended his statement with a reminder: “Freedom of expression must always be anchored in truth, responsibility, and respect.”
Tarriela also expressed gratitude to Dean Tony La Viña, tagged in his post, for his support.
As of this writing, Sasot has yet to issue a public statement regarding the complaint.
In a statement posted on X, Tarriela said the complaint was filed with the legal assistance of the advocacy group Movement Against Disinformation (MAD), describing the move as a necessary response to what he called “baseless, malicious, and deeply personal online attacks” that he said undermined both his private life and his work as a public servant.
“Today, I have filed a cyberlibel complaint against Ms. Sass Rogando Sasot, with the legal assistance of the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD),” Tarriela wrote.
“This legal action is a necessary response to a series of baseless, malicious, and deeply personal online attacks that have targeted not only my private life but also my duties as the Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea of the Philippine Coast Guard,” he explained.
While acknowledging the importance of free expression in a democracy, Tarriela also underscored the limits of that right, particularly when it veers into disinformation and personal defamation.
“While I fully respect the role of free speech in a democratic society, that freedom does not extend to the willful spread of disinformation, personal defamation, or efforts to erode public confidence through falsehoods,” he said.
He added that his decision to take legal action goes beyond defending his own reputation, aiming to send a message about the need to protect public servants from abusive behavior online.
“This step is not solely about defending my name—it is about standing up for every public servant who silently endures online abuse and misrepresentation. I hope this case sends a clear message: that truth matters, and that those who serve the public deserve both respect and protection from malicious attacks,” Tarriela said.
He ended his statement with a reminder: “Freedom of expression must always be anchored in truth, responsibility, and respect.”
Tarriela also expressed gratitude to Dean Tony La Viña, tagged in his post, for his support.
As of this writing, Sasot has yet to issue a public statement regarding the complaint.
Jul 4, 2025
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