De Lima Supports Lawsuit Against Vlogger Spreading Lies
Former senator and current Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima has firmly stated that free speech must not be exploited to defame individuals or circulate falsehoods. She voiced this as cyberlibel charges were filed against a vlogger known for backing former President Rodrigo Duterte.
De Lima publicly backed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, who filed a lawsuit against vlogger Sass Rogando Sasot for allegedly spreading misinformation. “As someone who has endured years of coordinated smears, online attacks, and relentless disinformation, I express my full support for Commodore Jay T. Tarriela’s decision to take legal action against the baseless and malicious accusations recently directed at him,” De Lima said.
She emphasized that while freedom of expression is vital in a democracy, it should never be a shield for lies intended to harm reputations.
Details of the Cyberlibel Case and Accusations
Commodore Tarriela explained that the cyberlibel complaint was filed because Sasot made serious claims without providing proof. Among these were allegations that Tarriela received large sums of money from House Speaker Martin Romualdez and that he earned a “talent fee” from the United States. Tarriela firmly denied these accusations.
De Lima, who has herself been a victim of political persecution and online harassment, praised the PCG official’s decision to seek justice. “Red-tagging, harassment, and vilification are part of a calculated playbook. They are meant to isolate those who serve honorably, to intimidate them into silence. I’ve lived through it,” she remarked.
She added, “That is why drawing the line and defending one’s name is both justified and necessary. Seeking legal recourse is an act of courage. It affirms the value of truth at a time when lies are amplified and monetized. It upholds the idea that those who serve the public deserve protection instead of persecution. I commend Commodore Tarriela’s resolve. His decision speaks not only for himself but also for every public servant who has chosen to face difficult truths rather than bend to convenient falsehoods.”
Broader Context of Misinformation Among Pro-Duterte Vloggers
Sasot and other social media personalities supportive of former President Duterte have faced criticism for allegedly spreading misinformation. During the 19th Congress House tri-committee hearings, several vloggers and bloggers were confronted about social media posts that lawmakers considered false.
Notably, Sasot, alleged former rebel Jeffrey Celiz, and former Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy were cited for contempt after they failed to attend the hearings, citing that they were currently abroad.
Additionally, blogger Mark Anthony Lopez was cited for contempt for opposing the investigation and violating internal House rules. Lopez was also criticized for falsely claiming that Philippine forces conducted water cannon attacks similar to those carried out by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
Confrontation and Questions During Hearings
Deputy Speaker David Suarez questioned Commodore Tarriela about whether he had been the target of social media attacks due to his strong defense of Philippine territories. Tarriela identified Lopez as one of the bloggers attacking him.
When Suarez asked Lopez about his statements regarding the territorial dispute and the water cannon incidents, Lopez maintained that the Philippine side had also engaged in such actions. This prompted several lawmakers, including former Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel and former Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, to demand clarifications from Lopez.
(With reports from local sources)
For more news and updates on cyberlibel complaints, visit Filipinokami.com.