The cyber libel case filed by Senator Manny Pacquiao against Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has been dismissed by the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
Pacquiao’s counsel Nikki De Vega rejected the decision, stating that “a distinction must be made between mere criticism and the proliferation of fake news.”
“Interestingly, the case was dismissed even without a Counter-Affidavit from Apollo Quiboloy,” she said.
She added they have already filed a motion for reconsideration. However, they are considering withdrawing to give way to the arrest of Quiboloy after the FBI declared him most wanted over his sex trafficking case in the US.
“However, we are also considering withdrawing our motion so that the US government, through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), can properly facilitate the extradition and arrest of Apollo Quiboloy in relation to his sex trafficking case in the US,” De Vega said.
“According to Senator Manny, it is more important to bring justice to the victims of heinous crimes. Maraming nasirang buhay ang kailangan bigyan ng katarungan,” she added.
Meanwhile, Quiboloy said Monday that the cyber libel case dismissal indicated that “truth and justice have prevailed.”
Cyber libel complaint filed by Pacquiao vs. Quiboloy dismissed
“I am happy to announce the dismissal of the cyber libel case filed by Senator Manny Pacquiao against me. The resolution of the City Prosecution Office of Makati dismissing the case was dated December 22, 2021, and received by my authorized representative last January 21, 2022,” he said.
“Indeed, truth and justice have prevailed ,” he added.
In September 2021, presidential aspirant Pacquiao filed a P100-million cyber libel case against Quiboloy.
Pacquiao argued in his 13-page complaint that the self-proclaimed “Appointed Sonf of God” should pay him P100 million as damages plus attorney’s fees for “using his power and influence to spread fake news and false information.”
“He used this deliberate falsehood to brainwash the minds of the Filipino public, recklessly propagating lies to blacken the image and reputation of an honest public servant. He even had the audacity to quote the Holy Scripture in furtherance of his lies, misleading his flock, and confusing the public, with the end in view of blackening another’s reputation,” he said in his complaint.
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