NBI charges 'Maharlika' Claire Contreras, Harry Roque with sedition, cyber libel

NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed on Tuesday that vlogger Claire Contreras, known as 'Maharlika,' and former presidential spokesman Atty. Harry Roque have been charged with multiple offenses related to a controversial video posted online during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 2024 State of the Nation Address.

Contreras faces charges for unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances, cyber libel, computer-related forgery, and inciting to sedition, while Roque is charged with inciting to sedition.

The video, which was later confirmed not to feature President Marcos Jr., gained significant attention after being posted on Facebook and recirculated by Contreras's page.

NBI Director Santiago said the charges were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) following the online circulation of the video, which raised suspicions of malicious timing and intent.

The NBI also cited several instances wherein Roque and Contreras made repeated calls for public resistance against the administration and incited Filipinos to spread videos falsely accusing high-ranking officials of serious crimes.