DOJ Files Cyber Libel Charges Against Senate Witness in Hontiveros Case
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken decisive legal action in a high-profile cyber libel case involving Senator Risa Hontiveros and former Senate witness Michael Maurillo. On Friday, February 6, 2026, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon announced that the DOJ has officially filed cyber libel charges against Maurillo, while simultaneously dismissing separate complaints against six other individuals.
Charges Filed Against Maurillo Over Viral Video Claims
Michael Maurillo, who also uses the alias "Rene", faces charges related to a viral video that circulated online. In the video, Maurillo alleged that Senator Hontiveros coerced and paid him PHP1 million to testify against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy during a Senate investigation. The case, which Fadullon confirmed is bailable, stems from complaints filed by Hontiveros in July 2025.
Hontiveros described the video as "a systematic and deliberate attack on witnesses and those who bravely came forward", emphasizing the broader implications for witness protection and integrity in legal proceedings. Maurillo had previously appeared as a witness in the Senate probe led by Hontiveros into Quiboloy and his group, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), where he initially accused them of physical abuse, forced labor, and maltreatment.
Dismissal of Complaints Against Six Other Personalities
In a contrasting development, the DOJ has dismissed cyber libel complaints against six other personalities named in Hontiveros' original filing. Among those cleared are lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former broadcaster Jay Sonza. Fadullon provided no specific reasons for the dismissal in his public statement, but the decision highlights the DOJ's selective approach in pursuing charges based on evidence and legal merit.
This case underscores the growing challenges of cyber libel in the digital age, particularly when involving public figures and sensitive testimonies. It also reflects ongoing tensions in Philippine politics, as Hontiveros continues her investigations into controversial figures like Quiboloy.
The legal proceedings are expected to draw significant public attention, given the involvement of a sitting senator and the serious nature of the allegations. As the case moves forward, it will test the robustness of cybercrime laws in addressing false claims and protecting individuals from online defamation.
