Prosecutors dismiss cyber libel rap vs Harry Roque

Quezon City prosecutors dismissed the cyber libel complaint filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque due to insufficiency of evidence.

Roque is seeking asylum in the Netherlands due to alleged political persecution by the Marcos administration.

Trillanes announced his intention to file a motion for reconsideration to appeal the prosecutor's decision.

The complaint stemmed from allegations made by Roque and vlogger Banat By in May 2024, accusing Trillanes of giving away Scarborough Shoal to China during backchannel talks in 2012.

In 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman cleared Trillanes and former president Benigno Aquino III of treason and espionage for engaging in backchannel negotiations with China.

Trillanes also sued vlogger Byron Cristobal and several hosts of Sonshine Media Network Inc. for allegedly attacking him on social media platforms.