A vlogger may find himself in hot water and face violations under the Anti-Cybercrime Law, among others, after posting a video of a cockpit bettor suffering from mental health issues, which is now earning thousands of views and shares over Meta (Facebook).
According to Rodelia Tagle, the sister of the victim identified only as "Junjun" for security reasons, her brother was involved in a cockfight at the Elorde Cockpit Arena in Parañaque City last Thursday afternoon.
She said that due to his brother’s "unstable" mental state, he placed a bet even without having any 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 more than 2,000 followers, who uploaded the video showing "Junjun" being publicly shamed by someone using the microphone.
The man over the microphone told the crowd of bettors: “Hayan sya, ang lakas ng loob tumaya wala palang pera.”
The victim, who also spoke to DAILY TRIBUNE, said he bet P4,000 due to peer influence.
“Nung nangyari na at natalo na, sinubukan kong manghiram sa kanila ng cellphone para makatawag ng tulong. Pero pinagsusuntok na nila ako at pinababa na sa arena para ipahiya,” he recalled.
DAILY TRIBUNE attempted to contact the vlogger for comment, but he has not responded as of posting time.
After viewing the video, top lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the vlogger may be held liable for several violations, including unjust vexation and moral damages.
According to law firm Respicio and Company, Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 addresses online libel, which penalizes defamatory statements made through a computer system.
Under Philippine law, libel involves dishonoring or discrediting a person, with malice, an identifiable victim, publication, and defamatory imputation as key elements.
As for cyberbullying or online harassment, while the law doesn’t explicitly define “cyberbullying,” repeated public shaming online that causes emotional distress may fall under related offenses, such as unjust vexation.
Authorities, including the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, continue to warn the public that public shaming — even on social media — can lead to serious legal consequences.
While the internet provides a platform for free expression, they stressed that this right must be balanced with the rights of others to privacy, dignity, and protection from harm.