‘You’re in my world now, baby,’ says Topacio as Hontiveros files cyberlibel complaint

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio on Thursday welcomed the cyberlibel complaint filed against him by Senator Risa Hontiveros, saying he had dared the senator to take legal action to expose what he described as her “intolerance of criticism.”

Hontiveros filed the case in connection with online videos posted by Topacio and several bloggers accusing her of bribing a former Senate witness to fabricate allegations against detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy. The senator has denied the accusations, calling them a desperate attempt to discredit her work in investigating alleged abuses linked to Quiboloy.

“The complaint filed by Sen. Hontiveros against me was not unexpected. In fact, I challenged her publicly and on air to do so," Topacio said.

According to him, provoking the complaint served a dual purpose: “First, to show to the country and our people the kind of public official that she is — onion-skinned and intolerant of criticisms, no matter how factual they may be; and second, to give other political commentators and myself a forum to prove, before tribunals where Hontiveros cannot hide behind parliamentary privilege, her real character.”

He said he is prepared to face the charges in court and intends to use the proceedings to present what he claims is evidence backing his statements.

“I have been a bona fide member of working media for more than a decade now. Lawsuits do not faze me,” Topacio said. “It’s good that Ms. Hontiveros took my dare, for the people will benefit from the information to be divulged.”

“I have been in trial practice for 33 years and counting. The courtroom is practically my second home. Senator Hontiveros, you’re in my world now, baby!” he added.

As of this writing, Hontiveros has yet to respond to Topacio’s remarks.