Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Monday filed a cyberlibel complaint against the creators behind the YouTube channel Maharlika for posting allegedly "libelous" videos against him.
In filing the complaint before the Department of Justice, Pangilinan said the contents of the videos posted by Maharlika have no factual basis and are only meant to destroy his reputation as a public servant and as husband to actress Sharon Cuneta.
Maharlika YouTube channel started posting videos attacking Pangilinan on May 21, 2021.
“More importantly, the libelous videos are meant to destroy the family. The libelous videos are not only intended to damage my relationship with my wife but also meant to destroy my relationship with our children,” Pangilinan said, adding that Sharon and their daughter Frankie also plan to sue Maharlika.
Pangilinan said tech giant Google, which owns YouTube, must also explain how these videos do not violate its community standards after his numerous requests to take down these content were left unacted.
“We also urge corporations placing ads on these and similar YouTube channels to stop enabling these sites that peddle lies and disinformation,” he said.
This is the third cyberlibel complaint filed by Pangilinan after he also sued YouTube channels "Latest Chika" and "Starlet" in July 2021 for posting similar false videos. YouTube has since taken down these channels.
Pangilinan is running for vice president in the 2022 elections along with Vice President Leni Robredo for president.
ALSO READ:
Drilon Seeks Law to Unmask Trolls on Social Media
Voice of Voters or Trolls? Election Surveys on Social Media, Explained
Do Not Engage: How to Deal with Trolls Online
Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.
