Pangilinan files cyber libel case vs. YouTube channel Maharlika

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Monday filed a criminal complaint against individuals behind the creation and management of the YouTube channel Maharlika over "libelous" videos it posted about his family.

In a statement, the vice presidential candidate said he filed the complaint against Maharlika for alleged violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2021.

“The contents of the videos are all false, have no factual basis and are intended to destroy or damage my reputation as a senator, public servant, and a husband to one of the most beloved celebrities in the Philippines, Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan," Pangilinan said in the complaint.

“More importantly, the libelous videos are meant to destroy the family. The libelous videos are not only intended to damage my relationship with my wife but also meant to destroy my relationship with our children,” he added.

Pangilinan said the persons behind the channel “acted in reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity of the statements in the video.”

He said Cuneta and his daughter Frankie also intend to sue Maharlika.

"Kung anu-among pagsisinungaling ang ginagawa, lalo na ngayon panahon ng eleksyon, ang hirap nitong hindi tao lumalaban sa kasinungalingan, paninira, at pinagkakakitaan pa," Pangilinan said on Saleema Refrans' report on "24 Oras."

"Ang apela natin dun sa mga kumpanya na naglalagay ng ads sa digital, eh 'wag n'yo namang pondohan ang paninira," he added.

GMA News is trying to reach the Youtube channel for its comment.

The complaint follows two separate cyber libel cases Pangilinan filed in July last year against YouTube channels "Latest Chika" and "Starlet" for similar false videos, which YouTube has since taken down.—LDF, GMA News