MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte filed libel and cyberlibel complaints on Friday against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and several television network executives and journalists over statements concerning allegations of cash deliveries to the Duterte family.
The Manila Times obtained a copy of the complaint-affidavit filed at the Davao City Hall of Justice on the same day.
Among those named as respondents were GMA Network chairman Felipe Gozon, president and chief executive officer Gilberto Duavit Jr., and 24 Oras anchors Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales and Emil Sumangil, along with journalists Darlene Cay, Marvin Parado and Joel San Luis.
Duterte accused the respondents of making false statements that damaged his reputation and that of his family.
“We filed libel and cyberlibel cases against Melvin Matibag, Gracioso and several personalities from GMA News’ 24 Oras because of their untruthful statements, which clearly tarnished my name and that of our family,” Duterte said.
The complaints stem from allegations by Gracioso, a dismissed police officer and former aide to ex-speaker Lord Allan Velasco, that he delivered suitcases of cash to members of the Duterte family on Velasco’s instructions.
