DBM Official Takes Legal Action Against Vlogger Over Alleged Defamatory Posts
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran has initiated legal proceedings against prominent online personality Claire Eden Contreras, widely recognized by her digital alias "Maharlika." On Monday, January 26, 2026, Libiran formally submitted four separate counts of cyber libel before the National Bureau of Investigation, marking a significant escalation in addressing what she describes as systematic online defamation.
Complaint Details and Allegations
The legal action stems from a series of social media publications and live video broadcasts that Libiran claims contain baseless accusations and false statements deliberately crafted to tarnish her reputation. According to the complaint documents, these materials have been circulating across various digital platforms, reaching substantial audiences through thousands of views, reactions, and shares.
"She has already ruined so many lives," Libiran stated during the filing. "She does not even bother to verify whether what she is posting or saying in her vlogs is true. I am doing this not just for myself, but for all the people she has maligned and attacked who had no way to defend themselves."
Personal and Professional Impact
Libiran emphasized that the alleged defamatory content has triggered widespread ridicule, harassment, and personal attacks extending beyond herself to include family members. She clarified that the accusations contained in the posts bear no connection to her official government duties and appear designed purely to cause personal humiliation and damage.
"This is not gossip, this is not opinion, and this is certainly not 'content,'" the DBM official asserted. "These are lies repeatedly broadcast to destroy a person's dignity. Freedom of speech has limits—and it ends where people's lives, families, and reputations are deliberately harmed."
Legal Distinctions and Accountability
The undersecretary made clear distinctions between legitimate criticism of government operations and what she characterizes as malicious disinformation campaigns. "The filing of the complaint is not meant to silence legitimate criticism of the government," Libiran explained, "but to hold accountable individuals who deliberately spread falsehoods, malicious accusations, and disinformation under the guise of online commentary."
She further elaborated on her motivation for pursuing legal action: "I will not stay silent while character assassination is treated as entertainment. The time has come for those who use social media as a weapon to destroy lives, reputations, and families to be held accountable."
Current Status and Next Steps
The National Bureau of Investigation's Cybercrime Division has officially received the complaint and has begun processing procedures. This case represents one of the more prominent instances where a high-ranking government official has pursued cyber libel charges against a social media content creator in the Philippines, potentially setting precedents for how similar situations might be addressed in the future.
The development highlights ongoing tensions between digital expression and legal accountability in the Philippine online landscape, particularly concerning public figures and government representatives. As the legal process unfolds, observers anticipate it may influence discussions about responsible social media usage and the boundaries of free speech in digital environments.
