NBI asked to file charges vs vloggers allegedly maligning quad-panel

Metro Manila, Philippines — Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe and file charges against vloggers who allegedly maligned the House quad-committee.

The quad-panel has been conducting an inquiry on illegal drugs and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Barbers, quad-committee lead chairperson, wrote to NBI chief Jaime Santiago, requesting to identify the people or groups behind vlogs that supposedly sow misinformation and damage the integrity of House lawmakers’ public service.

The congressman also asked to preserve digital evidence in relation to the vlogs.

Barbers forwarded to the NBI a vlog linking him and his brother Surigao del Norte Governor Lyndon Barbers to illegal drugs, as well as other evidence.

“Very obvious na well-organized at bayaran ang mga vloggers na ito na gustong sirain ang pangalan ko, ng kapatid ko, at mga Quadcom members,” he said in a statement on Sunday, Dec. 1.

[Translation: It is very obvious that these vloggers are well-organized and paid to destroy my name, my brother, and the quad-committee members.]

“Sabi nila, ito yung mga bayarang grupo ng tagapagkalat ng kasinungalingan. Siguro nasasaktan na ang kanilang mga employers na POGO operators at drug lords dahil sa patuloy na Quadcom investigations,” he added.

[Translation: They said these are groups paid to spread lies. Maybe their employers who are POGO operators and drug lords are hurt because of the quad-committee investigations.]

The lawmaker urged the NBI to file cases including libel and sedition in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Barbers believes the integrity of the committee will be protected and upheld with NBI’s intervention.