The Department of Justice has dismissed the cyberlibel complaints filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros against six social media personalities and commentators, citing a lack of evidence and the protected nature of criticizing public officials.
In a resolution dated December 22, 2025, a panel of government prosecutors ruled that there was no prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to move forward with an indictment.
The respondents cleared in the case include Ferdinand Topacio, Byron “Banat By” Cristobal, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Krizette “Kiffy” Chu, Jay Sonza, and Alex “Tio Moreno” Destor.
The legal dispute originated from online videos and commentaries regarding a witness in the Senate investigation into Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.
The witness, Eduardo Maurillo, had alleged in a video that he was bribed by Hontiveros in exchange for his testimony against the religious leader.
Hontiveros filed the complaints after the respondents shared or commented on the video, asserting that the claims were defamatory.
However, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Amanda Felipe and Prosecution Attorney Maria Fraulaine May Rapal noted that while the respondents’ remarks might have been offensive, they did not meet the legal threshold for cyberlibel.
The prosecutors stated in the resolution that the Supreme Court has previously remarked that being sensitive has no place in public service, adding that penalizing such speech could create a chilling effect on the public.
The DOJ further noted that Hontiveros failed to prove actual malice, which is a key requirement in libel cases involving public figures.
The panel found no proof that the respondents knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Topacio welcomed the dismissal, describing it as a vindication of the right of citizens and media practitioners to legally criticize public officials for perceived misconduct in office.