Latest news with #CybercrimePreventionActof2012
GMA Network
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Pura Luka Vega acquitted by Manila RTC
Pura Luka Vega, also known as Amadeus Fernando Pagente, has been acquitted by the Manila Regional Trial Court. In a 20-page decision dated June 10, the Manila RTC Branch 184 acquitted the artist of charges of violating Article 201 (2)(b)(3) and (2)(b)(5) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175). Article 201 penalizes "immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows." Judge Czarina Samonte-Villanueva penned the decision. 'Wherefore, premises considered, for failure of the prosecution to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as Pura Luka Vega, is hereby acquitted for violation Article 201 (2)(b)(3) and (2)(b)(5) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act 10175," the ruling read. On X (formerly Twitter), Pura Luka Vega also shared this part of the ruling and said 'Thank you for this wonderful news." "One more case left. Laban lang,' the drag artist added. Thank you for this wonderful news. ???? One more case left. Laban lang. ???????? — Pura Luka Vega ???? (@puralukavega) June 10, 2025 In its ruling, the Manila court said, 'Though the prosecution fell short of the required quantum of proof in the prosecution of the criminal case, the Court takes this opportunity to remind Pura Luka to be circumspect in his choice of medium or subject of his performances as a drag artist taking into account the society he belongs to. It is basic in the concept of social coexistence." 'This is not to curtail his freedom or rights nor to regulate his acts to belong to a presumed majority but more to be compassionate on the community as a whole, especially with the accessibility of social media which makes it easy to record, upload and circulate materials which are readily available for consumption of the public," it added. The court also ordered the release of the bond amounting to P72,000 that Pura Luka Vega posted for their provisional liberty. In August 2023, the Hijos Del Nazareno, devotees of the Black Nazarene, filed a complaint against Pura Luka Vega over their viral "Ama Namin" drag performance, while dressed in Jesus Christ's likeness back in July 2023. In their complaint, the group said the artist's "acts and actuations constitute a direct attack on our Lord, our God and savior, Jesus Christ." In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online in July 2023, the artist said that their "intent was to embody a version of Christ that is one with the queer audience."In August 2023, In October of that year, Luka was arrested after complaints were filed against them due to the same viral performance. They were also declared persona non grata in various cities like Manila, Cebu City, General Santos City, Laguna, and many more. Their fellow drag artists mounted a fundraising show to help with the bail and raised P892,975.60 in donations. Luka was released on bail after three days in jail. In December 2023, Luka celebrated the dismissal of "at least one" case filed against them.—Nika Roque/CDC/VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Darryl Yap pleaded not guilty in Vic Sotto's cyberlibel case — lawyer
Director Darryl Yap on Tuesday pleaded not guilty in the cyberlibel case filed against him by actor-host Vic Sotto, his lawyer confirmed. The arraignment was at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 203. Atty. Raymond Furtun, Yap's legal counsel, said that the next hearing will take place on August 19, Tuesday. Yap was charged for libel under Article 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended in relation to violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 The case stemmed from the teaser of the Yap's upcoming film, 'The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,' released last January 1, wherein the character of Gina Alajar (who is portraying Charito Solis) asked the lead actress portraying Pepsi Paloma if she was raped by actor-host Vic Sotto. The lead character replied, 'yes.' Sotto's camp has denied the allegations against him. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
29-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Terrorism raps filed vs. man who threatened to 'bomb' Comelec sites
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed terrorism charges against an individual over his Facebook post threatening Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia and others as well as all sites of the Comelec. According to the DOJ, the case for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 was filed before the Mandaue City regional trial court. This came after the individual offered a P10 million reward to whoever can kill Garcia, former Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and former Cebu Mayor Raymond Garcia, as well as a P5 million reward to bomb all Comelec sites on social media on May 26. 'The message, which circulated publicly online, was found by prosecutors to be intended to spread fear and intimidation,' the DOJ said. The DOJ said the prosecutors recommended no bail. 'The DOJ reiterates its resolve to prosecute offenses that threaten public safety and misuse digital platforms to incite violence or terror,' it said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
NBI files charges against overseas vloggers for fake news
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has initiated legal action against several vloggers based outside the Philippines, accusing them of disseminating false information online. This move is part of the NBI's broader campaign to combat disinformation that undermines public trust and disrupts national discourse. NBI Director Jaime Santiago revealed that the bureau has identified 20 vloggers involved in spreading fake news, particularly targeting government officials and exacerbating political tensions. The NBI is also investigating the financial backers of these disinformation campaigns, suspecting coordinated efforts to destabilize the political landscape. In a related development, the NBI arrested a Cebu-based vlogger who admitted to fabricating content that misrepresented President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statements. The vlogger altered a news post and inserted fabricated quotes, leading to charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the government to respect freedom of expression while combating fake news. The CHR emphasized the importance of distinguishing between malicious disinformation and legitimate opinion to avoid infringing on constitutional rights. As the NBI continues its crackdown on disinformation, it is collaborating with social media platforms to trace and hold accountable those responsible for spreading false narratives. The bureau's efforts aim to preserve the integrity of information and protect the public from deceptive content.
