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Advocates Philippines
Adiong Files Cyber Libel Case Over 'Maleta' Allegations, Seeks P25M In Damages
Photo credit: Cong. Zia Alonto Adiong
House trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong has filed a cyber libel complaint in Marawi City against lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 others, over allegations linking him to supposed cash-filled suitcases tied to a corruption scheme.
The complaint was filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Marawi City, with Adiong also seeking a total of ₱25 million in damages. This includes ₱20 million in moral damages and ₱5 million in exemplary damages, which he says stem from reputational harm, mental anguish, and public humiliation caused by the accusations.
Adiong, who also chairs the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, accused the respondents of spreading what he called false and malicious claims involving an alleged multibillion-peso kickback scheme connected to flood control projects.
The controversy traces back to a February 24, 2026 press conference where Baligod announced the existence of a joint affidavit containing allegations against several lawmakers. Portions of the affidavit were later circulated online, naming Adiong among those allegedly involved in receiving cash-filled suitcases.
“The accusations hurled against me by the Respondents are absolute fabrications, total falsehoods, and malicious inventions,” Adiong said in his affidavit.
“I have never met any of these eighteen (18) individuals, I have never received any suitcase of cash from anyone, and I have absolutely no involvement in the anomalous transactions they describe,” he added.
In his complaint, Adiong argued that the elements of cyber libel were present, pointing out that the statements were allegedly defamatory, publicly disseminated online, and made with malice.
“Respondents acted with actual malice because they published an unverified, logistically impossible narrative with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false,” the complaint stated.
He also claimed the online spread of the allegations was a foreseeable result of the respondents’ media exposure, citing their statements during the filing of the affidavit before the Office of the Ombudsman, where copies were offered to journalists.
Adiong further rejected claims that the statements were protected by privilege, arguing that the respondents actively publicized the accusations through press events and online distribution.
“By reason of and as a direct consequence of these criminal acts, I suffered severe mental anguish, a besmirched reputation, and widespread social humiliation,” Adiong said in his affidavit.
The complaint has now been submitted for preliminary investigation by prosecutors in Marawi City.
The complaint was filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Marawi City, with Adiong also seeking a total of ₱25 million in damages. This includes ₱20 million in moral damages and ₱5 million in exemplary damages, which he says stem from reputational harm, mental anguish, and public humiliation caused by the accusations.
Adiong, who also chairs the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, accused the respondents of spreading what he called false and malicious claims involving an alleged multibillion-peso kickback scheme connected to flood control projects.
The controversy traces back to a February 24, 2026 press conference where Baligod announced the existence of a joint affidavit containing allegations against several lawmakers. Portions of the affidavit were later circulated online, naming Adiong among those allegedly involved in receiving cash-filled suitcases.
“The accusations hurled against me by the Respondents are absolute fabrications, total falsehoods, and malicious inventions,” Adiong said in his affidavit.
“I have never met any of these eighteen (18) individuals, I have never received any suitcase of cash from anyone, and I have absolutely no involvement in the anomalous transactions they describe,” he added.
In his complaint, Adiong argued that the elements of cyber libel were present, pointing out that the statements were allegedly defamatory, publicly disseminated online, and made with malice.
“Respondents acted with actual malice because they published an unverified, logistically impossible narrative with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false,” the complaint stated.
He also claimed the online spread of the allegations was a foreseeable result of the respondents’ media exposure, citing their statements during the filing of the affidavit before the Office of the Ombudsman, where copies were offered to journalists.
Adiong further rejected claims that the statements were protected by privilege, arguing that the respondents actively publicized the accusations through press events and online distribution.
“By reason of and as a direct consequence of these criminal acts, I suffered severe mental anguish, a besmirched reputation, and widespread social humiliation,” Adiong said in his affidavit.
The complaint has now been submitted for preliminary investigation by prosecutors in Marawi City.
Jun 11, 2026
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