Rep. Abante eyes filing cyberlibel complaint vs vloggers

MANILA, Philippines – Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday for a potential cyberlibel complaint against vloggers.

Abante visited the office of NBI Director Melvin Matibag amid what the lawmaker described as “below-the-belt” allegations online.

READ: Abante wants Sara Duterte subpoenaed over P612.5-M confidential funds

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“I just requested na maimbestigahan kasi below the belt na eh: yung mga kasinungalingan, mga kalokohang ginagawa… Congressman tayo. Hindi mo naman maaalis na hindi lahat eh may gusto no? Pero pag below the belt na yung ginagawa sayo, dapat talagang bigyan ng closure to eh,” Abante told reporters in an ambush interview. 

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(I just requested that it be investigated because it’s below the belt: the lies, the stupid things they’re doing… I’m a congressman. You can’t get rid of the fact that not everyone likes me, right? But if what’s being done to you is below the belt, it really should be given closure.)

According to Abante, the false narratives have been around for about a week, and they have gathered evidence since.

However, the congressman refused to divulge any further details, saying he is still awaiting for the NBI to do its investigation. 

Asked who the personalities behind the attacks are, Abante said: “I think mga vloggers. Di ko alam kung sino mga yan… We’re still trying to find out who… Siguro mga five to 10 [vloggers].”

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(I think they’re vloggers. I don’t know who specifically… We’re still trying to find out who… There’s probably five to 10 vloggers.)

While the cybercomplaint looms, Abante messaged those who criticize him.

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“Kung kayo galit sakin, mayroon kayong gustong sabihing di maganda, sabihin niyo, pero let’s be truthful about it at be honest about it. Wag kayong fake news… Sana naman tigilan na yung mga ganung kasinungalingan, yung dishonesty– tigilan na yung mga below the belt,” he stressed.

(If you’re angry with me, if you have something bad to say, say it, but let’s be truthful about it and be honest about it. Don’t spread fake news… I hope we stop with those lies, the dishonesty – those below-the-belt [comments].) /jpv