Rep. Paolo Duterte files libel, cyberlibel raps vs. NBI chief, media execs

Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte filed libel and cyberlibel complaints on Friday (October 23, 2026) before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Davao City against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, media executives, and several journalists.

Named as respondents alongside Matibag were dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., GMA Network President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., GMA Network Chairman Felipe L. Gozon, and news personalities Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, Emil Sumangil, Darlene Cay, Marvin Parado, and Joel San Luis. Several unidentified individuals listed as John and Jane Does were also included in the complaint.

The legal action stems from a September 25, 2026 news report aired on GMA’s 24 Oras. The broadcast featured statements from Gracioso—a former security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco—who alleged that he delivered suitcases containing large sums of money to members of the Duterte family, including Rep. Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

Through his counsel, Duterte denied knowing Gracioso or receiving any cash deliveries, seeking a total of P20 million in moral and exemplary damages. The complaint asserts that the report was aired without properly securing the lawmaker's side prior to broadcast.

In response, GMA Network stated that it has yet to receive a formal copy of the complaint but will review the matter and issue a statement once officially served.

The NBI also indicated it would examine the filing accordingly.

-RA Sibag/Paraluman News