MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a cyber libel complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against individuals behind the online circulation of a manipulated video falsely accusing her of bribing a witness to testify against controversial religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The malicious video, originally uploaded by a certain Michael Maurillo, claimed that Hontiveros paid him to fabricate damaging statements implicating Quiboloy and Duterte in alleged crimes, including sexual abuse and human trafficking. Maurillo’s allegations quickly spread across social media platforms and pro-Duterte vlog networks, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

In her formal complaint, Senator Hontiveros denounced the video as “an orchestrated campaign of disinformation and character assassination” designed to derail the ongoing investigations and silence witnesses.

“This video is a complete fabrication. I have never met, spoken to, or had any contact with this individual,” Hontiveros said in a statement. “It is clear that this was created to intimidate me, derail justice, and protect powerful people who are finally being held accountable.”

The cyber libel complaint was filed under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which penalizes online defamation and malicious distribution of false information.

Hontiveros, who has been leading a Senate inquiry into Quiboloy’s alleged human rights violations and financial misconduct, emphasized that she remains committed to protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable despite the smear tactics.

“I will not be silenced by trolls or fake witnesses,” she said. “Let this serve as a warning: Those who weaponize lies online to protect abusers will be held legally responsible.”

The senator’s legal team is also urging social media platforms and the Cybercrime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to assist in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for producing and spreading the false content.

Human rights groups and women’s advocates have rallied behind Hontiveros, saying the video is part of a broader campaign of harassment against whistleblowers and officials advocating for justice against Quiboloy, who remains a fugitive from the FBI and is facing multiple arrest warrants in the United States.