- Paolo Duterte files cyber-libel complaint vs NBI chief, others
Davao CITY First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte filed libel and cyber-libel complaints before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Davao City on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.
The complaint named National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag, dismissed cop and self-proclaimed witness Rodulfo M. Gracioso Jr., along with several executives and news personalities of GMA News Network.
Among the GMA respondents were board chairman Felipe Gozon, president and CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr., news anchors Mel Tiangco and Vicki Morales, reporter Emil Sumangil, and media executives Darlene Cay, Marvin Parado, and Joel San Luis, along with several John and Jane Does.
Speaking to reporters, Duterte’s legal counsel, Atty. Peter Paul Danao explained that the lawsuit stemmed from a pre-recorded video report aired on GMA’s flagship news program 24 Oras on Sept. 25, 2026.
In the report, Gracioso alleged that he delivered suitcases filled with cash to the lawmaker—a claim Rep. Duterte strongly denied, stating he does not know Gracioso, nor did he receive any cash.
“Congressman Pulong filed libel and cyber-libel against NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., and selected officials of GMA News 24 Oras,” Danao said. “This is regarding the prerecorded video they released on September 25, 2026, on GMA News 24 Oras that was aired there, allegedly showing Gracioso giving a suitcase of cash, which Congressman Paolo denies. He does not know Gracioso, and he did not receive any suitcases of cash from him.”
Danao added that the complaint seeks a total of ₱20 million in damages.
“Along with our filing of the criminal case, Congressman Pulong also filed for damages—₱10 million in moral damages and ₱10 million in exemplary damages,” the attorney noted.
Addressing why media personalities were included in the suit, Danao emphasized that press freedom comes with the legal responsibility to verify facts before publication.
“In our laws and the Constitution, the freedom of the press is not absolute. Every journalist, broadcaster, or reporter has a duty or obligation to verify first the facts before publishing—verify first, then publish; not publish first and then verify later on,” Danao explained.
He pointed out that during the Sept. 25 broadcast, the program explicitly stated that they were still seeking the side of Rep. Duterte and other named personalities.
“That means they are not yet taking the side of the people that Gracioso is saying; they have already released Gracioso’s statements. Since you have the power to release news, you also have the obligation to at least verify if the interviews you recorded are true,” Danao added.
When asked if additional complaints would be filed, Danao said, “It’s possible, but we haven’t discussed it yet with my client. We will study if there are other violations of libel and cyber-libel.”
Rep. Duterte reiterated his decision to pursue legal action to protect his family’s integrity.
“We are filing libel and cyber-libel charges against Melvin Matibag, Gracioso, and other GMA News 24 Oras personalities because of their untrue reports. Plainly, this is just to slander my family and me,” Duterte told reporters. “I am doing this for my mother, my children, and my family.”
Meanwhile, Matibag has commented on the complaint filed against him by Davao City 1st District Rep. Pulong Duterte. “That’s his prerogative. Hindi naman natin siya pigilan o utusan kung ano ang gagawin niya,” he said.
Meanwhile, the other respondents have yet to speak on the matter.