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University of the Philippines (UP) economist and former Finance undersecretary Cielo Magno has filed a cyber libel complaint against controversial blogger Sass Rogando Sasot, citing “malicious, demeaning, and defamatory imputations” that she says damaged both her reputation and personal well-being.
The complaint was officially filed on Tuesday, March 25 at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
“Like many others, I have been the subject of malicious imputations and wrongs by Ms. Sasot,” Magno wrote in a Facebook post.
“It’s time to push back and to use all the legal remedies that are available to us to put an end to this display of impunity.”
She added, “I hope that by this action we are slowly able to restore civility and begin a path towards accountability and good governance.”
According to Magno’s filing, Sasot posted several social media statements—both on Facebook and YouTube—accusing her of bribing congressmen with billions of pesos in a bid to trace a fictional person named “Mary Grace Piattos,” supposedly involved in the paper trail of Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds. Sasot also alleged that Magno had been lobbying for Duterte’s impeachment.
“Owing to the said malicious public imputations by Respondent Sasot, I, including my family, suffered and continue to suffer serious anxiety, besmirched reputation, mental anguish, sleepless nights,” Magno stated in her complaint.
She further asserted that the posts were “purposely made to malign, dishonor, discredit, and insult” her reputation as an economist and educator.
The reference to “Mary Grace Piattos” appears to have originated from a satirical post by Sasot, mocking Magno’s past criticisms of economic policy under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Magno, a vocal critic of price controls and other economic decisions, was asked to step down from the Department of Finance in 2023.
The complaint comes in the wake of a House Tri-Committee hearing on regulating social media and disinformation, where Sasot was invited but failed to appear. Though she attempted to join via Zoom from China, her participation was denied. Lawmakers have since warned of contempt charges for future noncompliance.
Sasot is a known pro-Duterte blogger, with a history of spreading disinformation, supporting pro-China narratives, and attacking critics of the Duterte administration. Her Facebook account has previously been taken down or become inaccessible at times due to user reports and policy violations.
Cyber libel is punishable under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, with harsher penalties than traditional libel. Convicted offenders may face imprisonment of up to 12 years.
The case adds fuel to the growing debate over accountability in digital spaces, especially concerning vloggers and influencers involved in political discourse. Magno’s move is seen by supporters as a step toward fighting online impunity and disinformation.
In light of this and other disinformation controversies, journalists and lawmakers have renewed calls for a “Code of Ethics for Vloggers”. GMA News anchor Arnold Clavio, who recently defended his network against online attacks, posted: “Napapanahon na rin siguro na magbalangkas ang Kongreso ng ‘Code of Ethics for Vloggers’,” he wrote, urging social media influencers to be held to standards similar to those of traditional journalists.
The case against Sasot marks a potential precedent in the Philippines’ battle against fake news and online harassment, particularly as the country approaches another heated election season.
