PCSO chief sues vlogger for defamation

MANILA, Philippines — A complaint for defamation and invasion of privacy has been filed by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Mel Robles against US-based vlogger Claire Contreras or “Maharlika.”

Contreras allegedly published a picture of Robles’ 13-year-old daughter on her YouTube channel Boljak TV.

Camille Vasquez of Brown Rudnick will represent Robles in the case filed before the Central District Court of California.

Vasquez previously represented Hollywood movie star Johnny Depp in a defamation lawsuit against his former wife Amber Heard.

“It took a while before she took on my case because she had to assess if it’s a good case,” Robles said yesterday at a press briefing in Quezon City. “I think she saw the merit of the case, that’s why she took it on.”

The PCSO chief said that when he and his family went to the US last year for Christmas, Contreras posted a vlog accusing Robles of plotting murder against her.

“She claimed that I left my family to see her and have her killed,” Robles said.

Contreras’ claim, he said, had been preceded by vlogs that criticized him as a government official.

“Not content with calling me names, she has also made malicious accusations against me, such as stealing money from the people, contract killing and even assisting terrorists,” Robles said.

Robles noted that Contreras has been dubbed the “queen of fake news” on social media.

Contreras is facing other complaints stemming from claims she made on her vlogs.

Filipino international fashion designer Puey Quiñones has filed a defamation suit against Contreras, who claimed that Quiñones and First Lady Liza Marcos conned other people by producing counterfeit designs.

Last year, broadcaster Anthony Taberna filed a cyberlibel case against Contreras after she accused him of tax evasion.

Taberna previously said a warrant for Contreras’ arrest was issued by the Pampanga Regional Trial Court. 

Robles said Contreras has been dismissive of the previous cases filed against her.