Makabayan lawmakers eye charges vs vlogger, media outfit

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas (Photo from her Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — Two lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc on Friday slammed the threats and harassment made recently on social media by a vlogger and a media outfit.

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas said at a Makabayan bloc press briefing that she would file a case of violation of Republic Act No. 4200, or the Anti-Wiretapping Law, against Niño Barzaga, a vlogger.

At the same briefing, Kabataan Rep. Sarah Jane Elago also called out SMNI News for posting a threat against her on Twitter.

SMNI News is owned by Sonshine Media Network International, the official broadcasting arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ led by Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy is a known supporter of President Duterte.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said that while the six-member bloc would uphold freedom of the press and expression, they would not let such threats pass.

“If there are threats against the security and life of our colleagues, we will call this out and we will not just demand its takedown. There should be an explanation and the network should apologize for posting a threat against our colleague,” he said.

Brosas, a House assistant minority leader, said someone called her up on June 2 and pretended to be retired Bishop Teodoro Bacani.

The caller initially asked about Gabriela Women’s Party’s plans for the Independence Day rites, and that upon getting a response from Brosas, suddenly shouted and hurled invectives and obscene remarks at her. INQ