DAVAO City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” 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 GMA Network executives and journalists over allegations that grease money was delivered to his family.
Among the respondents in the complaint-affidavit filed at the Davao City Hall of Justice on Friday 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.
“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 stemmed from allegations by Gracioso, a dismissed police officer and former aide to ex-House speaker Lord Allan Velasco, that he delivered suitcases of cash to members of the Duterte family on Velasco’s instructions.
Matibag said he would seek the guidance of the NBI legal team in responding to the complaint.
The NBI said Gracioso underwent two lie detector tests, the results of which showed no indication of deception.
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima condemned Duterte's action.
“This is clearly an attempt to silence journalists and truth-seekers, depriving them of the freedom of the press,” de Lima posted on X.
She said pro-Duterte trolls have been threatening media outlets, saying they could be sued next.
De Lima said the Dutertes have a repressive proclivity toward the media, evident in the closure of ABS-CBN in 2020, the revocation of Rappler’s operating license, and attacks against the Philippine Daily Inquirer during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“Those facing accusations can simply respond to them, especially when the media is asking for their side. That is part of their accountability to the people,” she said.
