Pulong Duterte files libel, cyberlibel vs. GMA Network, Matibag over cash delivery claims report

Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte on Friday filed a libel and cyberlibel complaint against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag and dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. over the claims of cash delivery to their family.

GMA Network executives and journalists were also included in the complaint.

“Ngayon lang, nagsampa tayo ng kasong libel at cyber libel laban kina Melvin Matibag, Gracioso, at ilang personalidad ng GMA News na nasa 24 Oras, dahil sa kanilang mga pahayag na walang katotohanan at malinaw na layuning manira,” Duterte said in Bisaya in an ambush interview.

(Just now, we filed libel and cyber libel charges against Melvin Matibag, Gracioso, and some personalities from GMA News ' 24 Oras because of their statements which have no basis and intend to destroy reputation.)

“Ginawa ko ito para sa aking mga anak at sa aking pamilya,” he added.

(I did this for my children and my family.)

He was accompanied by his legal counsel, Atty. Peter Paul Danao.

“Tungkol ito doon sa pinalabas nilang pre-recorded video noong September 25 sa GMA News 24 Oras na pinapalabas doon na, allegedly, nagbigay daw ng maletang cash itong si Gracioso,” Danao said in an ambush interview.

(This concerns the pre-recorded video they aired on September 25 on GMA News’ 24 Oras, which allegedly showed Gracioso handing over a suitcase full of cash.)

“Tinatanggi naman ni Congressman Paolo na kilala niya itong si Gracioso at wala siyang tinatanggap na maleta na cash sa kanya,” he added.

(Congressman Paolo, for his part, denies knowing Gracioso and says he did not receive any suitcase full of cash from him.)

In a statement, GMA Network said it has yet to receive a copy of the complaint.

“We will review the matter and comment accordingly upon receipt,” it said.

According to Danao, Duterte sought P10 million for moral damages and P10 million for exemplary damages.

GMA News Online has asked the NBI for comment and will publish it once available.

To recall, Gracioso alleged that he delivered cash to Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and former President Rodrigo Duterte on former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco’s instructions.

The Vice President earlier denied the allegations and filed her affidavit with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Rep. Duterte, meanwhile, dubbed Gracioso's allegations as "pure fiction."

“I do not personally know him. I did not receive any money or maleta ng pera from him, whether in a bar in Davao or elsewhere,” he said.

“Mr. Gracioso’s allegations are pure fiction. It is a fairy-tale lie,” he added.

Similarly, Velasco’s camp previously said the allegations against him had “no basis.” —AOL, GMA News