Pangilinan sues ‘Maharlika’ channel on YouTube over libelous videos
Senator Francis Pangilinan files a cyber libel complaint against the creators of another YouTube channel, “Maharlika”, on Monday, February. 14, 2022. Photo from Pangilinan’s office
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Pangilinan on Monday filed a cyber libel complaint against the creators of another YouTube channel over what he asserted as libelous videos that are meant to destroy his family.
Pangilinan personally filed the complaint against the YouTube channel “Maharlika” before the Department of Justice, accusing the channel of violating Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Pangilinan’s complaint noted that the YouTube channel started posting in May 2021 a series of videos attacking the senator.
He asked tech giant Google, which owns video-sharing platform YouTube, to explain how the videos uploaded in the channel do not violate its community standards after the senator flagged its “inaction” despite his numerous requests that the “libelous video content” be taken down.
“We also urge corporations placing ads on these and similar YouTube channels to stop enabling these sites that peddle lies and disinformation,” Pangilinan also said.
According to the senator, his wife Sharon, and daughter Frankie, also intend to sue the Maharlika YouTube channel.
“The contents of the videos are all false, have no factual basis, and are intended to destroy or damage my reputation as a senator, public servant, and a husband to one of the most beloved celebrities in the Philippines, Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan,” Pangilinan’s complaint reads.
“More importantly, the libelous videos are meant to destroy the family. The libelous videos are not only intended to damage my relationship with my wife but also meant to destroy my relationship with our children,” he added.
The people behind the channel “acted in reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity of the statements in the video,” according to Pangilinan, who is running for vice president in the May 9 elections.
In July 2021, Pangilinan filed two separate cyber libel complaints against two other YouTube channels.
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