The National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO) has filed cyber libel charges against columnist Rigoberto Tiglao for an article that allegedly contained unfounded and malicious claims about Deputy Speaker and Cebu 5th District Representative Vincent “Duke” Frasco.
According to NBI-CEVRO Regional Director Rennan Oliva, the complaint arose from a report Frasco received from one of his staff members, who pointed out an online article titled “Cebu Rep Details How Impeachment Bribery Worked.”
The article, published in The Manila Times, quickly gained traction online.
“His claim caused serious harm not only to Congressman Frasco but also to the entire House of Representatives and the Speaker of the House,” Oliva said, referring to Tiglao’s assertions.
Tiglao’s article also quoted Frasco as saying: “Yes, I was bribed to vote against the Vice President, but I did it for you, dear constituents.”
In response to the allegations, Frasco explained that on February 6, he had been one of 240 lawmakers who signed the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte and supported its transmission to the Senate.
Oliva emphasized that Tiglao’s article was void of any factual backing, with no evidence provided to substantiate the claims.
“The posts lacked any proof, it’s purely his word,” Oliva said, stressing that such statements fulfilled the legal criteria for libel.
The NBI also highlighted the damaging impact the article had on Frasco’s reputation and credibility, particularly as a public official.
Tiglao was summoned to appear before the NBI-National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) but reportedly failed to present any supporting evidence for his claims.
“That’s the essence of fake news,” Oliva noted. “It makes something appear as truth when it is, in fact, false. When fact-checked, the claims do not hold up.”
As a result, Tiglao is now facing charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, specifically for cyber libel, pursuant to Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code.
