DOJ junks Hontiveros’ cyberlibel complaint vs Topacio, 5 others

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February 7, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the cyberlibel complaint filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros against lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and five other social media personalities in connection with a video that circulated online, accusing Hontiveros of coercing a witness to give false testimonies against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a 26-page resolution, dated Dec. 22, 2025, the DOJ’s prosecution panel dismissed “for lack of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction” the complaint of cyberlibel against Topacio, Byron “Banat By” Cristobal, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, Krizette “Kiffy” Chu, Jay Sonza and Alex “Tio Moreno” Destor.

Filed by Hontiveros in July last year, the complaint stemmed from the respondents’ alleged malicious sharing in their respective social media platforms, a video wherein Michael Maurillo claimed that he was coerced by Hontiveros to give false testimonies against Quiboloy and the Dutertes during the hearing of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, which Hontiveros chairs.

Maurillo had testified before the Senate committee that he was sexually abused by the members of the KOJC and that Quiboloy used to hurt him.

Maurillo also testified that he personally witnessed former president Duterte and his daughter carrying firearms while visiting Quiboloy.

Later, however, Maurillo released a video saying that he and the other witnesses fabricated their testimonies. Maurillo said he was coerced by Hontiveros to pin down Quiboloy and the Dutertes.