Senator Hontiveros files cyberlibel complaint against vloggers over bribery accusation videos

• Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a cyberlibel complaint against 12 vloggers and online personalities for spreading bribery allegations involving ex-KOJC member Michael Maurilio
• Among those named in the complaint are Jay Sonza, Krizette Chu, Sass Sassot, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, and Banat By
• Hontiveros denied giving money to Maurilio and showed email exchanges proving he volunteered to testify against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and others
• “Nasaan diyan ang pinilit? Muli, siya ang una at paulit-ulit na lumapit,” Hontiveros said, stressing Maurilio’s testimony was voluntary

Senator Risa Hontiveros has formally filed a cyberlibel complaint against 12 individuals accused of spreading false claims that she bribed a witness to testify against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Among those named in the complaint are online figures and vloggers including Jay Sonza, Krizette Chu, Sass Sassot, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, and Banat By. The senator said these personalities helped circulate videos of Michael Maurilio, a former KOJC member who recently alleged he was paid P1 million by Hontiveros to give false testimony.

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“Batay sa aking mga abogado, cyber libel ang appropriate na ireklamo dito… Hinding-hindi ako papayag sa ganitong pagsisinungaling,” Hontiveros told reporters, asserting the videos not only targeted her but also Senate witnesses and her staff.

The senator clarified that Maurilio had volunteered to testify and was never offered any money. She presented email exchanges from her office with Maurilio, including one dated December 14, 2023, where he explained that he left KOJC in 2021 due to abuse and expressed willingness to help, writing: “Ano po ang aking maitutulong?”

Hontiveros added, “Nasaan diyan ang pinilit? Muli, siya ang una at paulit-ulit na lumapit. He freely and voluntarily offered his testimony and assistance.”

She said more names may be added to the complaint as the investigation continues.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

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In other news, an 80-year-old bedridden man and his 81-year-old wife perished in an early morning house fire in Bacolod City on June 30, 2025, with damage estimated at P3 million. The wife, Emelyn, reportedly tried to retrieve a fire extinguisher and turn back for her bedridden husband, Edison, before succumbing to the blaze, as indicated by her body's position and neighbor's CCTV footage. The couple was tragically alone in their home when the fire broke out, as their usual nighttime companion had an unexpected allergy attack, and Emelyn did not inform her children. Authorities are emphasizing the crucial need for families to have detailed emergency plans and ensure that bedridden and elderly individuals are never left unsupervised, especially at night, to prevent similar tragedies.

Still other news, a man in Taguig City was arrested for pretending to be a police officer and threatening a woman he owed ₱20,000. The suspect wore a police jacket and carried a radio but failed to present any PNP ID when questioned. Authorities found an unlicensed handgun and a sachet of suspected shabu near his residence. He faces charges of usurpation of authority, illegal possession of firearms, and possession of dangerous dr&gs.

Source: KAMI.com.gh