Sen. 'Kiko' Pangilinan files libel complaint vs YouTube, Google

Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan on Friday, July 16, filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a cyber libel complaint on alleged attacks and fake news made by two YouTube channels against him and his family.
Named respondents in the complaint were YouTube channels “Starlet” and “Latest Chika” owners whom he accused of violations of Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in relation to Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code.
Also named as respondent was Google Philippines country manager Bernadette Nacario for alleged violations of Section 20(b)(1) and Section 30(j) of RA 10175.
In his complaint, Pangilinan said “the common statements raised by the defamatory reports are Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan committing adultery by having an illicit affair with another man, and Sen. Pangilinan committing acts of violence (physical assault) against his wife which is in violation of the Violence Against Women and Children Act.”
“Due to said public and malicious imputations, I suffered and continue to suffer damage to my good name, reputation, and career as a public servant. The public and malicious imputations have also caused serious anxiety and stress to me and my family,” he said in his complaint.
After the filing, Pangilinan told journalists that since he does not know who are behind “Starlet” and “Latest Chika,” he asked the National Bureau of Investigation’s Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) to investigate the YouTube channels and to secure the videos that were released.
Once those behind the YouTube channels have been identified, Pangilinan stated that: “...I will pursue legal action against him/her/them, and I intend to use the data collected and preserved as evidence.”
He said that YouTube is owned by Google and Nacario has “the responsibility to oversee the operations of the whole company.”
He said he has endured the fake news made against him over the years but had to take action after the attacks also targeted his family.
“This is too much,” he stressed.
He then pleaded to the public not to easily believe reports made against him and his family online.
“Pakiusap natin na maging mapanuri, huwag basta-basta maniniwala o magse-share ng mga kasinungalingan dahil tao rin kami (I appeal to the public to scrutinize, don’t easily believe or share the lies because we are also human beings),” the senator pleaded.
“Sa mga social media platforms, gawan naman ng mas masusing mga kilos itong laganap na paninira, laganap na pagsisinungaling (To the social media platforms, they should take action against the proliferation of these attacks and fake news),” he said.