Prosecutor dismisses cyber libel complaint filed by Pacquiao vs. Quiboloy

The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the cyber libel complaint filed by Senator Manny Pacquiao against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

In a statement on Friday, Pacquiao’s counsel Nikki De Vega disagreed with the decision, stating that “a distinction must be made between mere criticism and the proliferation of fake news.”

“Interestingly, the case was dismissed even without a Counter-Affidavit from Apollo Quiboloy,” she said.

De Vega added that they have already filed a motion for reconsideration, but now are considering to withdraw it to give way to the US government’s extradition and arrest of Quiboloy over his sex trafficking case in the US.

“However, we are also considering withdrawing our motion so that the US government, through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), can properly facilitate the extradition and arrest of Apollo Quiboloy in relation to his sex trafficking case in the US,” De Vega  said.

“According to Senator Manny, it is more important to bring justice to the victims of heinous crimes. Maraming nasirang buhay ang kailangan bigyan ng katarungan,” she added.

In a statement on Monday, Quiboloy said that the dismissal indicated that “truth and justice has prevailed.”

“I am happy to announce the dismissal of the cyber libel case filed by Senator Manny Pacquiao against me. The resolution of the City Prosecution Office of Makati dismissing the case was dated December 22, 2021, and received by my authorized representative last January 21, 2022,” he said.

“Indeed, truth and justice has prevailed ,” he added.

In September 2021, Pacquiao filed a P100-million cyberlibel complaint against Quiboloy.

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

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

Meanwhile, Quiboloy urged Pacquiao to be honest in his reasons in declining the invitation to participate in the presidential debates hosted by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) held Tuesday night.

Pacquiao, in refusing to participate in the event, said he did not want to be "part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams."

In response, Quiboloy, said: "I urge the senator to be honest in his reasons for declining and not resort to personal attacks not befitting a presidential aspirant."

"He should not use the name of the Lord in vain for his earthly agenda," Quiboloy, who is facing charges in the United States and is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, added. — BM/KBK, GMA News