DOJ to file cases vs vloggers in Hontiveros cyber libel complaint

MANILA — The Department of Justice has ordered the filing of cyber libel cases against lawyer Ferdinand Topacio as well as internet personalities Byron “Banat By” Cristobal, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Krizette “Kiffy” Chu, Jay Sonza and Alex “Tio Moreno” Destor.

In a resolution promulgated on October 29 the DOJ reversed its December 22, 2025 decision dismissing the complaint Hontiveros filed against the respondents.

The senator had appealed the dismissal of the complaint, which stemmed from the video of a Senate witness against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy claiming Hontiveros bribed him in exchange for his testimony.

The DOJ said the records sufficiently establish the existence of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of guilt to charge the respondents of cyber libel under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

In the resolution, the DOJ said the statements made by the respondents against Hontiveros “blackens her reputation as a lawmaker, undermines her authority, competence, and integrity as a senator, and diminishes the respect, honor, and trust of the people” for her as one of the highest officials of the country.

The DOJ noted the arguments raised by the respondents before the dismissal of Hontiveros’s complaint.

Topacio claimed his statements were taken out of context and there was absence of malice in his posts.

Chu argued that her post was already reported by mainstream media while Celiz also maintained his statements were already available to the public.

Cristobal said his statements were within his right to comment while Sonza said his posts were his personal thoughts on matters of public interest.

The DOJ however noted that while Hontiveros must tolerate criticism as a public official, the real question was whether the respondents crossed the line separating criticism and malicious imputation of specific acts.

“Here, the respondent-appellees crossed that line,” the DOJ said in the resolution signed by Undersecretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong for Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.

Press freedom and freedom of expression advocates have long called for the decriminalization of libel and cyber libel, saying it can be used to harass and silence journalists and citizens.

In a statement, Hontiveros said she will always defends free speech and freedom of the press but draws the line against false information.

“Sinabi natin dati pa: hindi dapat palampasin ang mapanganib na kasinungalingan laban sa mga tumestigong biktima ng pang-aabuso ni Apollo Quiboloy,” she said.

(We have said this before: We should not let dangerous lies against the victims who testified against Apollo Quiboloy pass.)