Police have filed charges against a lawyer and a vlogger for allegedly spreading false information on social media about a political rally in Davao del Norte.

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Davao (RACU-11) and Davao City Police Office (DCPO) filed charges against Atty. Israelito Torreon and Elizabeth Joei Cruz, a vlogger known online as “Joie De Vivre,” for alleged violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code (unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances) in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175).

Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) spokesperson, Major Catherine Dela Rey, said the case stemmed from Torreon’s online post where he allegedly claimed that police officers were required to attend a campaign rally for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Carmen, Davao del Norte on February 15, 2025, to ensure a crowd at the event.

PRO-11 said Torreon allegedly referred to a leaked memorandum that purportedly instructed police officers to wear red.

However, police had earlier clarified that the directive was part of standard security measures.

Torreon was one of the lawyers of former President Rodrigo Duterte who handled some of his cases. He is also the legal counsel of Duterte-backed Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban).

Torreon condemned the case, calling it baseless and malicious.

He said the move was meant to silence him.

He maintained that he did not violate any law and did not spread false information.

Torreon also expressed concerns about the case setting a dangerous precedent where lawyers and ordinary citizens could face legal action for expressing opinions about those in power.

Despite this, Torreon said he is ready to face the charges.