Sen. Risa Hontiveros to file complaint against people behind video of KOJC witness

• Sen. Risa Hontiveros has addressed the alleged fake video of former Senate witness Michael Maurilio, alias “Rene”
• Hontiveros said in a statement that she would personally go to the NBI to file a complaint against the people behind the video
• The lady senator also aired a fiery message to the people behind the video, saying they “have crossed the line”
• In the said video, Maurilio claimed he was paid by the senator to give a false testimony against Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte

Senator Risa Hontiveros, in a press conference on Monday, June 30, has addressed the alleged fabricated video of former Senate witness Michael Maurilio, alias “Rene.”

Hontiveros stated her camp will seek legal action against the people behind the video. In the video, the witness claimed he was paid by the lady senator to give a false statements against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.

“I have consulted with my legal team and on Wednesday, we will file a complaint before the NBI and seek their assistance in investigating the people responsible for this video, and those systematically circulating it in their disinformation networks,” she said, belying Maurilio’s statements in video.

“This is only step one and we will take further decisive action, including the filing of criminal complaints. Para sa mga testigo at biktima, at para sa Senado, maniningil kami ng hustisya,” said Hontiveros, who was angry about the disclosure of the identities of victims and other witnesses.

She underscored, “Yung video niya, hindi lamang fake news. Ito ay malinaw na witness tampering.”

Hontiveros further revealed the victims and witnesses feel more threatened now.

“Michael exposed people who trusted the Senate with their stories. And these are people who are already afraid. Now, they are in danger-- again! Yan ang talagang ikinagagalit ko.”

“Make no mistake: This isn’t just an attack on my office. This is an attack on truth-telling. Kaya hindi natin hahayaan na takutin nila ang mga witnesses, at sindakin nila ang Senado. Kaya, sa mga nasa likod ng video na ito: You have crossed the line. Sobra na kayo,” she told the people behind the video.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros showed copies of some of her office’s exchanges with Maurilio, who purportedly approached them to volunteer as a witness.

Ana Theresia "Risa" Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel is a Filipino politician, journalist, and community leader. She was born on February 24, 1966. She won a seat in the Philippine Senate, placing 9th, during the 2016 general elections. Previously, she served as Akbayan sectoral representative in the Philippine House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010.

As previously reported by KAMI, Ogie Diaz penned a message to those who find Sen. Risa Hontiveros annoying. Recently, the talent manager took to his Facebook account to share a post from Juan Luna Blog FB page. “GOOD NEWS! Thanks to Risa Hontiveros' efforts, Meralco has agreed to refund ₱19 billion to consumers,” the post reads. Along with the status post, Diaz reacted, “O ayan, ha?” Mama Ogs went on to share his frank message to the senator’s detractors.

In another news, Sen. Risa Hontiveros was seen holding a copy of Vice President Sara Duterte’s book. The Office of the Vice President sent the book to the senator titled “Isang Kaibigan.” ABS-CBN News shared photos of the book, one of which shows Hontiveros browsing through the book.

Source: KAMI.com.gh