Business · Philippines Bureau
Duterte files libel suit over cash delivery allegations
Davao City congressman Paolo Duterte has filed libel and cyber libel complaints against an NBI director, a dismissed police officer, and GMA Network officials over claims he received cash deliveries. The legal action centers on allegations made by the former cop that were broadcast on the network.
LSN Philippines ·
Rep. Paolo Duterte of Davao City's first district filed libel and cyber libel complaints on Friday against multiple respondents, including National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., and officials and reporters from GMA Network. The complaints stem from allegations that Gracioso made regarding purported cash deliveries to Duterte, which were subsequently reported by the media network.
The congressman's legal team submitted the complaints at the appropriate venue, escalating a dispute that centers on accusations related to financial transactions. Duterte has maintained that the allegations are false and damaging to his reputation and political standing.
The case raises questions about the intersection of law enforcement investigations, media reporting, and the legal remedies available to public figures facing allegations. Both the NBI and GMA Network have been drawn into the dispute as a result of their respective roles in the matter.
The libel complaints represent an aggressive legal response to the broadcast allegations and suggest Duterte is prepared to pursue judicial remedies to address what his camp characterizes as false and defamatory statements made both in traditional and digital media formats.