Former Quezon City 4th District Representative Marvin Rillo has addressed the issuance of an arrest warrant against Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) host Camille Jensen Hirro, who is facing seven counts of cyber libel. The warrant was issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 90 Presiding Judge Maria Zoraida Tuazon. In an order dated October 29, Judge Tuazon stated that after reviewing the evidence and information filed on October 22, the court found probable cause to proceed with the case. The arraignment and pretrial for Hirro, also known as CJ, are scheduled for November 13. Rillo filed the complaint following allegations made by Hirro against him on her online program. The former lawmaker claimed that these broadcasts contributed to his defeat in the 2025 reelection bid. In a social media post, Rillo stated that the court’s decision to issue the warrant indicates that there is a basis to investigate the alleged defamation. He challenged Hirro to provide evidence to substantiate the claims she made during her broadcasts. “Though it’s still far from conviction, we have passed the first part where the court says yes, there may have been defamation committed against me,” Rillo said. He further asserted that the allegations made against him were false, noting that no formal charges had been filed against him by his political opponents. Hirro posted bail in the amount of P336,000 prior to the weekend, which prevented her arrest. In his statement, Rillo expressed a willingness to drop the charges if Hirro issues a public apology. However, he warned that he is prepared to file additional libel cases should she choose to contest the current charges. “If you apologize for everything you said about me, who am I not to forgive? I will withdraw the case against you, but if you remain stubborn, that is not all; I have many more libel cases to follow,” Rillo said.
Article source: The Daily Tribune | Image credit: The Daily Tribune