DOJ wants cyberlibel raps filed vs Topacio, 5 others

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of cyberlibel charges against lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and five social media personalities over a complaint filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

In a resolution dated Oct. 29, the DOJ reversed its December 2025 and March 2026 dismissal of the case and granted Hontiveros’ petition for review.

The DOJ ordered the filing of complaint against Topacio, Byron “Banat By” Cristobal, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Jay Sonza, Krizette Chu and Alex “Tio Moreno” Destor.

Hontiveros welcomed the DOJ resolution. She said she pursued the complaint against the pro-Duterte personalities to exact accountability for their disinformation.

The complaint stemmed from social media posts by the respondents accusing Hontiveros of bribing witnesses during the Senate inquiry into sex trafficking allegations against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy.

The respondents argued they should not be sued for cyberlibel, saying their remarks referred to “facts reported by mainstream media.”

Hontiveros filed a similar complaint against former KOJC member Michael Maurillo who testified that he suffered abuse and exploitation at the hands of Quiboloy.

Maurillo later changed his tune and claimed that Hontiveros paid him P1 million to give false testimony against Quiboloy.

Maurillo was indicted in early 2026. A warrant for his arrest was issued by a Pasay court in February.

Quiboloy is being held at the Pasig City Jail for sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking charges. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab