Pangilinan files defamation complaint vs YouTube channels, Google exec

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Sen. Francis Pangilinan filed a complaint yesterday before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against two YouTube channels and an official of Google Philippines over alleged defamatory remarks against him and his family.

In his complaint-affidavit, Pangilinan said a cyberlibel complaint is filed against the persons behind the YouTube channels “Starlet” and “Latest Chika” for allegedly uploading libelous videos against him and his family.

Pangilinan added that a similar complaint was filed against Bernadette Nacario, country manager of Google Philippines, for her alleged failure to oversee the operations of YouTube, which is owned by Google.

Pangilinan claimed that owners of the YouTube channels violated Section 4 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in relation to Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended.

Nacario, on the other hand, violated Section 20 and Section 3 of the Rules and Regulations implementing RA 10175.

He also sought assistance from the cybercrime division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify the persons operating the channels, collect computer data related to it, among other concerns.

Pangilinan’s complaint stemmed from a series of videos allegedly uploaded by YouTube channels Starlet and Latest Chika, claiming that his wife Sharon Cuneta filed a case against him supposedly for physical abuse.

The channel also alleged that Sharon Cuneta was spotted abroad with young actor Marco Gumabao, the actress’ leading man in her latest movie “Revirginized.” The video insinuated that Cuneta and Gumabao were lovers.

Pangilinan said that the contents of the videos are all false and intended to destroy his reputation as a public servant, husband and father, and to destroy his relationship with his family.

“Now it’s the family that is being attacked. And anyone, if it’s the family and loved ones at stake, you can’t let it pass, you have to fight it so that’s why we’re filing the complaint. This is too much,” Pangilinan told reporters.

He said that he hopes the incident will serve as a wake-up call to the public to be responsible about what they upload or post on social media and be cautious on what they share, especially if these are baseless.

Pangilinan also appealed to social media executives to beef up their efforts against the proliferation of malicious videos and other materials posted on social media.