‘Vlogger’ hit for ‘humiliating’ bettor with mental health disorder

A vlogger may face legal repercussions, including potential violations of the Anti-Cybercrime Law, after posting a video on Facebook that shows a cockpit bettor apparently suffering from mental health issues being humiliated. The video has since garnered thousands of views and shares.

According to Rodelia Tagle — the sister of the man in the video identified only as “Junjun” for his security — the incident occurred at the Elorde Cockpit Arena in Parañaque City last Thursday afternoon.

Tagle said her brother, due to his “unstable” mental state, placed a bet even though he had no money.

“We know that what my brother did was wrong. But what is heartbreaking for us is why they humiliated my brother in front of so many bettors? He was shamed at the center of the cockpit arena. Worst of all, a vlogger made a live broadcast and posted it on Facebook. That is very wrong,” she said.

Tagle was referring to the Facebook account “Jrg Garcia Garcia,” a digital creator with over 2,000 followers, who uploaded the video of “Junjun” being publicly shamed over a microphone.

In the video, a man speaking through the microphone can be heard saying in front of numerous bettors: “There he is, so bold to bet even without money.”

The victim, who was also interviewed by DAILY TRIBUNE, said he bet P4,000 due to the influence of other bettors at the time.

“When it happened and I lost, I tried to borrow a cellphone from them to call for help. But they punched me and made me go down from the arena to shame me,” the victim recounted.

DAILY TRIBUNE also persisted to reach out for the vlogger’s comment but efforts were unsuccessful.

Following the video’s circulation, prominent lawyer Ferdinand Topacio stated that the vlogger could face multiple charges, including unjust vexation and moral damages.

According to the law firm Respicio and Company, Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, is the primary law addressing online offenses, including online libel, which is defined as defamatory statements made through a computer system.

The law firm explained on its website that online libel involves a false and injurious statement about a specific individual that dishonors, discredits, or disgraces them in the eyes of the community. Critical elements include malice, an identifiable victim, publication and defamatory imputation.

Regarding cyberbullying or cyber harassment, the firm noted that while not specifically defined in the Cybercrime Prevention Act, other provisions, such as unjust vexation in relation to the Act, could cover repeated or persistent online humiliations causing distress to the victim.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that public shaming, particularly on social media, can have serious legal consequences. The Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group has emphasized that while the internet allows for free expression, this right is not absolute and must be balanced with the rights of others, including privacy, dignity, and protection from harassment.