Manila City Rep. Rolando M. Valeriano said that the cyberlibel complaint he filed against former congressman Kiko Barzaga has reached the Manila trial court.
According to Valeriano, the Office of the City Prosecutor found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction and filed an Information against Barzaga before the Manila RTC.
Valeriano welcomed the filing of the case, noting that the issue goes beyond politics and concerns responsible use of freedom of expression.
“Malaya ang bawat Pilipino na magpahayag ng opinyon at pumuna sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan. Pero walang sinuman ang may karapatang mambato ng mga paratang na walang ebidensiya at sirain ang dangal ng kapwa.”
The Information charges Barzaga with violation of Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, in relation to Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code.
According to the Information, Barzaga allegedly posted on Facebook on January 9, 2026 the statement, “NUP Congressmen received bribes.”
The prosecution alleged that because the NUP congressional caucus is a closed and identifiable group, the statement directly and unmistakably referred to Valeriano, thereby exposing him to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.
The prosecution further alleged that the statement was disseminated through Barzaga’s Facebook page with approximately 1.9 million followers.
“Hindi lisensya ang social media para manira. Kung may ebidensiya, ilabas. Kung wala, may pananagutan sa batas,” said Valeriano.