A move that he says he is doing for his family.
On Friday, October 23, Representative Paolo Duterte headed to the Davao City prosecutor’s office to file libel and cyber libel complaints against several personalities.
The list is led by National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., as well as personalities from GMA Network led by its Chairman Felipe Gozon, President Gilberto Duavit Jr., 24 Oras anchors Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil; reporter Darlene Cay; executive producer Marvin Parado; and director Joel San Luis.
“Dahil sa kanilang mga pahayag na walang katotohanan at malinaw na layuning manira,” said Duterte in a statement after filing the case.
He also said that he decide to file these raps for his family, who became the subject of the report the revolved around the alleged cash delivery of Gracioso—a matter that has since been denied by their camp.
In response to the move, GMA Network said in a statement: “We will review the matter and comment accordingly upon receipt.”
Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) GMA Chapter also strongly condemned the filing of the case.
“This legal action follows Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent public threats to file a multi-million-peso lawsuit against the network, targeting media workers for fulfilling their duty to report on matters of clear public interest—specifically, the public disclosure and sworn allegations made by a former security aide regarding alleged cash-filled suitcase deliveries involving prominent political figures,” the group noted.
They also stood behind the news team and field reporter involved, citing that the report went through standard, multi-layered editorial and legal verification procedures.
“It is deeply concerning that following the broadcast, our field reporter has faced severe online harassment and intimidation. Both the reporter and their family members have received threatening messages, malicious insults, and targets of fake, AI-manipulated content online aimed at smearing the reporter’s professional integrity,” the NUJP chapter said.
They also clarified that that the reporter had no prior connection or personal relationship with the source before conducting the official interview coordinated with law enforcement authorities.
“Journalism is not a crime. Reporting on official affidavits and legal filings involving public officials is an essential part of press freedom and public accountability. Utilizing weaponized legal actions against journalists serves only to create a dangerous chilling effect intended to intimidate the press,” it underscored.