April 23, 2025 — Manila
The prosecutor’s office has dismissed the cyber libel complaint filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV against former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque due to insufficient evidence.
In a resolution released by the prosecutor’s office, authorities upheld Roque’s defense that his online statements were part of his right to free expression and did not cross the line into unlawful defamation.
According to the ruling, “There is no sufficient basis to proceed with the case. The statements made by Atty. Roque cannot be considered malicious to the extent required to establish cyber libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”
Trillanes filed the complaint after Roque allegedly called him a “liar” and “lacking in credibility” in several social media posts regarding political issues. Trillanes claimed the remarks were intended to damage his public reputation.
For his part, Atty. Roque welcomed the decision and reaffirmed the importance of protecting freedom of speech. “This is a victory for free expression. Accountability in public discourse must always be grounded in truth and the law,” he stated.
Trillanes has yet to respond to the ruling but is expected to issue an official statement in the coming days.
