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Advocates Philippines
Agri Chief Fires Back With Cyberlibel Rap Against Critics
Photo credit: Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Tensions are heating up as Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. took legal action on Thursday, filing a separate cyberlibel complaint against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and lawyer Levito Baligod before the Makati City Prosecutor's Office.
The case stems from allegations linking Tiu Laurel to the so-called “Maleta scheme”—claims the agriculture chief strongly denied.
In a firm statement, Tiu Laurel dismissed the accusations as baseless and fabricated.
“Everything they said in their affidavit is nothing but lies. There’s absolutely no truth to it—it’s purely fiction,” he said.
The agriculture secretary also challenged a group of 18 individuals identified as ex-Marines to come forward and reveal what they know, signaling confidence that the truth will clear his name.
The legal move marks a sharp escalation in the dispute, as Tiu Laurel pushes back against what he describes as a smear campaign, while calling for transparency from those involved.
The case stems from allegations linking Tiu Laurel to the so-called “Maleta scheme”—claims the agriculture chief strongly denied.
In a firm statement, Tiu Laurel dismissed the accusations as baseless and fabricated.
“Everything they said in their affidavit is nothing but lies. There’s absolutely no truth to it—it’s purely fiction,” he said.
The agriculture secretary also challenged a group of 18 individuals identified as ex-Marines to come forward and reveal what they know, signaling confidence that the truth will clear his name.
The legal move marks a sharp escalation in the dispute, as Tiu Laurel pushes back against what he describes as a smear campaign, while calling for transparency from those involved.
Mar 19, 2026
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