Sen. Hontiveros sues KOJC witness, vloggers for ‘malicious’ lies

Senator Risa Hontiveros filed cyber-libel complaints before the Department of Justice against former Senate witness Michael Maurillo and six social media personalities for allegedly spreading false and defamatory content related to the Senate’s probe into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and its leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

In her first complaint, Hontiveros focused on Maurillo, a former KOJC member who claimed in a viral video that she paid him ₱1 million to fabricate testimony against Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.

The video, uploaded on 24 June 2025 on the YouTube and Facebook accounts of “Pagtanggol Valiente,” had over 111,000 views as of 7 July, with a follow-up post garnering another 447,000.

Hontiveros denied the allegations, stating that Maurillo had voluntarily approached her office in December 2023 and was never offered money to testify. She stressed that her office maintains a strict policy of not incentivizing witnesses to ensure the credibility of investigations.

Maurillo, she said in the complaint, deliberately spread malicious falsehoods to discredit her and derail the Senate’s inquiry into alleged abuses within KOJC.

The second complaint named six individuals who allegedly amplified Maurillo’s claims and contributed their own defamatory content. These include lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who accused Hontiveros of bribing witnesses; Byron Cristobal, also known as "Banat By," who claimed she led an “organized propaganda” campaign against Vice President Duterte; and Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz, who alleged she fabricated testimonies in earlier hearings. Also named are Krizette Chu, who likened her to a "mafia boss lady"; Jay Sonza, who accused her of manipulating witnesses; and Alex Distor, also known as "Tio Moreno," who implied her silence confirmed guilt.

Hontiveros argued that these individuals endangered protected witnesses, undermined the Senate’s credibility, and spread politically motivated disinformation. She cited Supreme Court rulings affirming that statements made with actual malice—defined as knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth—are punishable under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

In a press conference, the senator condemned what she called "malicious disinformation," saying the attacks also targeted the victims who bravely testified before the Senate.

"These lies are not just attacks on me but on the integrity of the Senate and the victims who courageously testified. Justice demands accountability for those who weaponize falsehoods," she said.

Hontiveros also revealed that in June 2023, Maurillo had contacted her office, claiming he had been kidnapped by KOJC members, prompting a law enforcement response. She raised the possibility that his recent statements were coerced or part of a broader campaign to discredit the investigations.

She warned that her legal team is prepared to file additional charges if false information continues to spread, emphasizing that both originators and amplifiers of disinformation must be held accountable.

The DOJ is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the complaints merit indictment under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.