Vloggers have filed a libel case against Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers at the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.
The lawsuit was filed after Barbers requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate them for their alleged connections to illegal drugs and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
According to complainant Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Barbers’ accusations have caused them sleepless nights and fear for their families.
Some of their social media accounts, which generate income, are now at risk due to the congressman’s allegations and the spread of fake news.
Barbers previously sent a letter to the NBI requesting an investigation into so-called “narco-vloggers” whom he claimed had ties to POGOs.
As chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Barbers also wants the NBI to look into the activities of these vloggers to determine their alleged links to POGOs.
Other complainants include Lorraine Badoy, Krizette Chu, Cathy Binag, Joie De Vivre, MJ Quiambao Reyes, and Mark Anthony Lopez.