Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed inciting to sedition charges against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and vlogger Claire Contreras, known as Maharlika, with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to Philippines News Agency, NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated in a letter to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon that the charges stem from a video suggesting a man resembling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was using an illicit substance. The video coincided with the President’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), prompting suspicions of its timing and intent.
In addition to sedition, Contreras faces charges of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, Cyber Libel, and Computer-Related Forgery as per the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The video initially appeared on Facebook and was recirculated by a page managed by Contreras, gaining significant traction.
The NBI utilized digital investigations and video forensics to trace the video’s spread and link its content to inciting language during rallies and livestreams. On July 21, 2024, the video was shown during a rally in Vancouver, Canada, livestreamed by the Facebook page Pilipinas Nating Mahal. Roque encouraged the audience to share the video across platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
A second livestream on July 22, 2024, in Los Angeles, featured Maharlika and Roque, where Roque incited the audience to act if the President appeared to be under the influence in the video. The NBI claims the video’s timing and distribution aimed to discredit the President and incite public dissent.
The NBI also cited instances of Roque and Contreras calling for public resistance against the administration. Santiago noted that Maharlika published misleading videos against high-ranking officials, while Roque encouraged the spread of videos alleging illegal acts by the President.
In a related crackdown, the NBI filed charges against Mary Joy dela Cerna Lacierda, lawyer Raul Lambino, and Ronald Cardema for spreading false information regarding former president Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged arrest. The Supreme Court ordered Lambino to explain his actions following claims of a temporary restraining order against Duterte’s arrest, which led to public confusion.
