PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles announces that he filed complaints of defamation, defamation per se and invasion of privacy against vlogger Claire Contreras alias “Maharlika” before the Central District Court of California. (Photo by FAITH ARGOSINO / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Melquiades Robles has filed complaints of defamation, defamation per se and invasion of privacy against vlogger Claire Contreras alias “Maharlika” before the Central District Court of California.
Robles made the announcement in a press conference in Quezon City on Sunday.
He said his decision aims to “defend the honor, name, reputation and dignity of his family” and to stop Maharlika from “continuously harassing and maligning them through her online vlog.”
Based on reports, Contreras — who resides in Los Angeles, California — gained popularity as a pro-Marcos content creator, who came into prominence during the 2022 national elections for favoring the tandem of now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Vlogger Claire Contreras alias Maharlika (Photo screen grab from her official YouTube Channel)
READ: Maharlika: political influencer or political turncoat
Robles said his family underwent “daily barrage of vicious, unjustifiable and blatantly false attacks through Contreras’ YouTube Channel Boldyak TV,” which has over 325,000 subscribers and over 68 million views.
“For reasons unknown to us, she continues to deliberately spread malicious lies against us while also calling me various names that were meant to deride and denigrate my reputation,” the PSCO official said, reading his press statement.
The complaint, which was filed in the US court last July 15, said Contreras began her “false smear campaign” against them in December 2023.
“In more than 20 separate videos that were posted on the internet and made available to the public, Ms. Contreras falsely accused the Robleses of everything – from contract killing and assisting terrorists to stealing from the Filipino people,” it stated.
Robles said in a separate press statement also issued on Sunday that Contreras reportedly included his wife and their children, who are minors, in the allegations.
“Ms. Contreras’ numerous false and defamatory statements detailed below have caused substantial harm to the reputations of the Robleses and diminished their esteem in their community and country,” the complaint sheet read.
“Her posts have extended to include images of the Robleses’ minor daughter, recklessly posted without concern for the harm the Robleses and their children are exposed to,” it pointed out.
“Ms. Contreras’ posts have made Sherwil, in particular, afraid for the safety and well-being of her family, especially her children,” it added.
“The Robleses bring this action to hold Ms. Contreras accountable for her malicious and harmful online campaign against them,” the complaint concluded.
INQUIRER.net sought the side of Contreras on her official Facebook page regarding the matter, but she has yet to reply as of posting time.