Pacquiao files P100-M cyberlibel suit vs. Pastor Quiboloy

Senator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday filed a P100-million cyberlibel complaint against Davao City-based Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.

In a statement, Pacquiao argued in his 13-page complaint that Quiboloy should pay him P100 million as damages plus attorney’s fees for “using his power and influence to spread fake news and false information.”

“He used this deliberate falsehood to brainwash the minds of the Filipino public, recklessly propagating lies to blacken the image and reputation of an honest public servant. He even had the audacity to quote the Holy Scripture in furtherance of his lies, misleading his flock, and confusing the public, with the end in view of blackening another’s reputation,” he said in his complaint.

“His statements, as outlined below, are far from hallow. They are criminal in nature and cannot go unpunished,” he added.

The complaint stemmed from a television and social media post allegedly made by Quiboloy, claiming that Pacquiao has used public funds for the unfinished Sarangani Sports Training Center.

Quiboloy has allegedly claimed that the project had cost the government P3.5 billion, showing pictures of dilapidated bleachers and overgrown grass.

The pastor’s accusation came after Pacquiao allegedly said that corruption is worsening in the country.

“My statement relating to the prevalence of corruption in the Philippines under the current administration and even at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic is based on findings from documents and information I obtained from concerned citizens. Prior to leaving for the USA for my world championship fight while representing flag and country, I had a press conference on July 3, 2021, where I showed further proof of the prevalence graft and corruption in this administration,” the senator said in his complaint.

After the video where Pacquiao was heard talking about corruption went viral, the senator said Quiboloy appeared on television in SMNI and on social media and accused him of corruption.

In an online press conference, the legal counsels of Quiboloy denied Pacquiao's complaint saying the KJC founder and leader did not accuse the senator of anything but only raised questions that should be answered.

Earlier, the lawmaker has sought the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to identify individuals behind the fake information about his alleged involvement in the construction of the Sarangani Sports Complex.

Pacquiao’s legal team earlier explained that the P3.5 billion cited in the fake information being spread over social media for the Sarangani Sports Complex construction was the budget allocated for the establishment of the Philippine Sports and Training Center in Bataan under Republic Act 11214 or the Philippine Sports Training Center Act.

Pacquiao, who authored the law, said the allocation was not fully realized since the budget had to be realigned for COVID-19 response.—AOL, GMA News