The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reversed its earlier dismissal of Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ cyber libel complaint and ordered the filing of criminal charges against lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and five social media personalities.
In a 17-page resolution dated Oct. 29 and released to the media on Tuesday, the DOJ granted Hontiveros’ petition for review, setting aside its Dec. 22, 2025 and March 16, 2026 rulings that dismissed the complaint against the six respondents.
The department, through Undersecretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong, directed prosecutors to file cyber libel charges against Topacio, Byron Cristobal, known as Banat By; Jeffrey Celiz, or Ka Eric; Krizette Chu, or Kiffy; Jose “Jay” Sonza; and Alex Destor, or Tio Moreno.
The complaint stemmed from their social media commentaries accusing Hontiveros of bribing or coaching witnesses and fabricating testimony in connection with the Senate investigation into allegations of abuse and human trafficking involving Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
The controversy involved former KOJC member Michael Maurillo, who testified during a Senate hearing on Feb. 19, 2024, about alleged abuse and exploitation under Quiboloy.
In a video circulated in June 2025, Maurillo later accused Hontiveros of offering him P1 million to fabricate testimony against Quiboloy, former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The social media personalities allegedly amplified the accusations and referred to Hontiveros using derogatory labels, including “crime boss lady,” “underworld criminal boss girl,” “mamasan underworld boss girl” and “tanim fake witnesses.”
In reversing its earlier decision, the DOJ said the respondents presented the accusations as established facts rather than suspicions or opinions.
“The accusations made by the respondent-appellees against complainant-appellant on their respective social media platforms were not presented as mere suspicions or opinions arising from undisputed facts.
Rather, the statements were phrased stating that she had in fact bribed or coached witnesses, fabricated testimony and evidence, manipulated affidavits, orchestrated witnesses to falsely implicate other persons, and participated in organized political schemes against her perceived opponents,” the resolution read.
The department said the records established prima facie evidence of guilt with reasonable certainty to charge the six respondents with cyber libel under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Hontiveros’ camp welcomed the DOJ’s ruling, while maintaining its support for freedom of expression and the press.
“We will always defend and support free speech and the press. Pero iba ito sa sistematiko at sadyang pagpapakalat ng fake news laban sa Senado, sa aming staff, at sa matatapang na testigong nagbigay ng testimonya sa imbestigasyon laban sa malawakang sexual abuse at human trafficking,” the statement read.
The DOJ’s order directs the filing of charges but does not constitute a judgment of guilt.
The respondents’ criminal liability will be determined through court proceedings.
📷 Media courtesy of Inquirer.net
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