Sen. Risa Hontiveros has filed a cyber libel complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Michael Maurilio, known as “Alyas Rene,” and 11 vloggers over a viral video featuring the former Senate witness.
The senator alleged that the video, along with the content shared by certain vloggers, contains defamatory statements against her, her staff, and Senate witnesses.
Named in the complaint are social media personalities and vloggers: Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Ahmed Paglinawan, Krizette “Kiffy” Chu, Rob Rances, Sass Rogando Sasot, Aeron Peña a.k.a. “Old School Pinoy,” Jay Sonza, Banat By 2.0, Tio Moreno, Wredel Esguerra, Joie Cruz a.k.a. “Joie De Vivre Every Other Day,” Ka Eric Celiz, and Atty. Ranny Randolf B. Libayan of “BATAS natin.”
Hontiveros also requested the NBI-Cybercrime Division to preserve and secure the materials uploaded and circulated by those involved.
She said that while she welcomes public criticism, she will not tolerate what she calls malicious attacks aimed not only at her, but also at individuals who appeared before the Senate and her own staff.
The senator also urged the NBI to investigate others who allegedly helped spread or exaggerate the contents of the video.
She said more charges may follow depending on the results of the investigation.
