Senator Risa Hontiveros files a cyberlibel case against vloggers and content creators over fake videos involving key witness Michael Maurilio.
Risa Hontiveros Files Cyberlibel Case Over Fake Witness Videos – Calls Out Online Disinformation
Manila, Philippines — July 2, 2025 — Senator Risa Hontiveros files cyberlibel case before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following the circulation of two viral videos that she claims are part of a coordinated disinformation campaign to discredit her and manipulate public opinion.
The videos, featuring former Senate witness Michael “Rene” Maurilio, accuse the senator of bribing and coercing him into testifying against religious leader Apollo Quiboloy and members of the Duterte family. Hontiveros has strongly denied the accusations, calling the videos “fake news” and part of a broader strategy to undermine the Senate’s work and silence whistleblowers.
The Center of the Storm: Fake Videos Go Viral
The controversy began when two YouTube videos surfaced, showing Michael Maurilio, who previously testified before the Senate on serious allegations involving human trafficking, suddenly recanting his statements. In the videos, he claimed that Senator Risa Hontiveros pressured him into testifying and offered him money in exchange for implicating high-profile individuals.
Maurilio’s abrupt reversal raised alarm bells in the Senate and among human rights advocates. According to Hontiveros, these videos were not only false but also a deliberate attempt to tamper with witnesses and derail ongoing investigations.
“These are not just random videos. These are part of a sophisticated disinformation campaign designed to intimidate witnesses and silence public servants who are doing their jobs,” Hontiveros said during a press briefing at the Senate.
Legal Action: The Risa Hontiveros Cyberlibel Case
In response, Senator Risa Hontiveros files cyberlibel case complaint with the NBI on July 2, 2025, naming several individuals responsible for producing, uploading, and spreading the fake videos online. Among those identified were known social media personalities and bloggers:
- Krizette Chu
- Jay Sonza
- Sass Rogando Sasot
- Tio Moreno
- Banat By
- Rob Rances
These individuals, according to Hontiveros, played key roles in amplifying the false narrative and encouraging public distrust.
“I have filed this cyberlibel case to send a clear message: you cannot manipulate the truth, endanger lives, and escape accountability,” she said.
The Risa Hontiveros cyberlibel case marks one of the most high-profile legal actions taken by a sitting senator against disinformation peddlers in the digital age.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Case
- June 2024 to early 2025: Michael Maurilio testifies before the Senate regarding alleged abuses within Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
- June 22–23, 2025: Maurilio reportedly contacts Hontiveros’ office, expressing fears for his safety.
- Late June 2025: A YouTube channel called “Pagtanggol Valiente” suddenly appears, releasing videos of Maurilio’s recantation.
- July 2, 2025: Risa Hontiveros files cyberlibel case complaint with the NBI.
Witness Tampering Allegations
Hontiveros raised serious concerns about witness tampering, stating that her office believes Maurilio may have been coerced or manipulated into appearing in the videos. She cited his previous messages as evidence that he felt threatened and was not acting under free will.
“He said he was being watched and held at a location connected to Quiboloy. Just days later, he’s on video reversing everything he said under oath. That’s more than suspicious—it’s alarming,” she said.
The senator added that the act of producing and spreading these videos was an attempt to intimidate future witnesses, damage the Senate’s credibility, and obstruct justice.
The Bigger Picture: Disinformation as a Political Weapon
The Risa Hontiveros cyberlibel case underscores a growing trend in Philippine politics—the use of digital platforms for targeted disinformation.
Fake news, edited videos, and troll networks have increasingly become tools to sway public opinion and discredit political opponents. Hontiveros noted that “keyboard warriors” are now being used to wage real psychological warfare, putting public officials, journalists, and even witnesses at risk.
“This is no longer just about me. It’s about ensuring that our democratic institutions—especially the Senate—remain places where truth and accountability thrive.”
NBI Investigation Underway
Risa Hontiveros files cyberlibel case to the NBI, the NBI will begin forensic tracing and online analysis to identify the original uploaders, producers, and financiers behind the disinformation videos. Hontiveros has pledged full cooperation with the probe and warned that more names may be added to the list of respondents as the investigation continues.
Legal experts say the cyberlibel case could serve as a landmark test for the effectiveness of the country’s Cybercrime Prevention Act, especially as it relates to false content created and shared on social media.
What’s at Stake?
The implications of the Risa Hontiveros cyberlibel case go beyond the reputation of a single senator. The case highlights key issues in the country today:
- Freedom of speech vs. accountability for fake news
- The role of vloggers in political discourse
- Witness protection in high-stakes Senate investigations
- Digital laws and cybercrime enforcement
Human rights groups and democratic advocates have since expressed their support for Hontiveros, saying the case is a step toward restoring truth and order in a digital space flooded with misinformation.
Final Words from the Senator
As the legal battle begins, Senator Risa Hontiveros remains firm in her commitment to seeking justice—not just for herself, but for the people whose voices may be silenced by intimidation and deceit.
“I will not back down. The truth will prevail, and those who dare to distort it must face the consequences.”
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