Pacquiao seeks probe on ‘fake’ PDP-Laban memo

SENATOR Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao has sought the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to identify and track down the people behind the online proliferation of a ‘fake’ PDP-Laban resolution bearing his forged signature to put him in bad light.

Through his legal counsel Atty. Pelagio Lawrence Cuison, Pacquiao has asked the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to conduct a thorough probe on the origin of the forged document, including those who are responsible for its online proliferation.

Initially tagged as possible subjects of the investigation are National Transmission Corporation (NTC) President Melvin Matibag, Astra Naik, former Press Secretary Bobi Tiglao, Trixie Cruz-Angeles who was previously suspended as a lawyer for three (3) years in August 2016 by the Supreme Court and a certain Ahmed Paglinawan, according to the statement released by Pacquiao’s office.

The forged memo contained an alleged “confidential plan” which showed Pacquiao giving instruction to PDP-Laban legal affairs and arbitration committee chair Alberto Oxales to declare the immediate and automatic expulsion of party vice-chairman Alfonso Cusi and “his cohorts.”

The forged document was pre-dated June 8, 2021 to make it appear that it was made ahead of the real PDP-Laban resolution issued last July 9 which expelled Cusi, Matibag and Naik.

The PDP-Laban’s National Executive Committee quickly denied the existence of the document  and denounced it as an attempt  by certain parties “to spread fake news by using fake or forged documents.”

“The proliferation and unabated spread of fake news has grown tremendously in recent years. Whether willingly or unwillingly several prominent online influencers and columnists in unison quoted or made mention of a supposed June PDP-Laban letter claiming to be from PDP Laban Pres. Manny Pacquiao. No document of this nature exists,” the PDP-Laban NEC said in a statement.

“The fact a confidential plan would be made in a letter is ridiculous. The PDP Laban President likewise has a hologram next to his signature in all official documents and misalignment of the contact details and logos at the bottom are a dead giveaway to it being a fraudulent document,” it added.

In seeking the PNP’s help to investigate the case, Cuison raised the urgent need to stop the proliferation of forged documents and fake news on various social media platforms.

“The proliferation of fake news or fake documents is a mockery to all of us as well as the integrity and rigor of our journalism professionals. PDP-LABAN will not tolerate this and neither should any Filipino,” he said.

“Those responsible should be held accountable. Let us say no to fake news,” Cuison said.

Cuison said the investigation is preparatory to the filing of cyber libel as provided under Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The penalty for cyber libel is a fine ranging from ₱40,000 to P1.2 million or both, in addition to the civil action which may be brought by the offended party and prison of 2 year, 4 months and 1 day to 8 years, the lawyer also reminded.