Hontiveros files cyberlibel raps vs ex-Senate witness

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a cyberlibel complaint against a former Senate witness for his defamatory statements about her and the chamber’s investigation into the supposed crimes of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Hontiveros submitted the case to the National Bureau of Investigation in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 2, to seek help looking into the personalities involved in Michael Maurillo’s video, which was posted on the Facebook and YouTube accounts of “Pagtanggol Valiente.”

“Bilang isang nagtatrabaho sa public service, bukas ako lagi at dapat bukas lagi sa mga puna, sa mga kritisismo. Pero hinding-hindi ako papayag sa ganitong mga pagsisinungaling, mga mapapanganib na pagsisinungaling,” the senator said.

[Translator: As a public service worker, I am always open and should always be open to criticisms. But I will never allow these dangerous lies.]

In her complaint-affidavit, Hontiveros stated that Maurillo introduced himself through email as a former full-time worker of Quiboloy’s church Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). Maurillo said he is willing to testify after escaping the church’s abuse and exploitation.

In a Senate hearing, Maurillo testified how KOJC members forced him to perform sexual acts. He also said former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte visited the church’s Glory Mountain in Davao and left with firearms given by Quiboloy.

Before the video release on June 24, Maurillo messaged Hontiveros’ staff, saying that he was being pressured by unidentified individuals to recant his testimony and humiliate Hontiveros.

In the 18-minute video, Maurillo claimed that Hontiveros paid him to testify against the Dutertes and Quiboloy. He also revealed the identities of the senator’s staff and witnesses which, she said, endangered their safety.

“Just a little more than a week ago, naghuhumingi ng rescue dahil siya daw ay kinidnap ng KOJC at siya daw ay du’n dinadakip sa Glory Mountain… Nanalangin pa rin ako para sa kanyang kaligtasan,” she said.

[Translation: Just a little more than a week ago, he was asking for rescue because he was kidnapped by KOJC in Glory Mountain. Still, I am praying for his safety.]

The senator also noted that social media personalities’ resharing of Maurillo’s video contributed to the proliferation of the “false” and “malicious” accusations against her. Some of these personalities are former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Sass Sasot, and former broadcaster Jay Sonza.

Hontiveros said she will also file criminal complaints against individuals proven to be behind the video.