The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed cyber libel charges against Michael Maurillo, a Senate witness who alleged that Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros coerced and paid him to testify against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed Friday that the case “has been filed already,” noting that the charge is bailable.
Fadullon added that separate cyber libel complaints against six other personalities — including lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former broadcaster Jay Sonza — were dismissed.
Hontiveros filed the complaints in July last year, describing the viral video as “a systematic and deliberate attack on witnesses and those who bravely came forward.”
Maurillo, also known as “Rene,” initially accused Quiboloy and KOJC officials of physical abuse, forced labor, and maltreatment. He later claimed that Hontiveros paid him ₱1 million to testify before the Senate.