PCSO general manager sues vlogger in US court for defamation. ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Mel Robles and his wife Sherwil Robles have filed defamation and invasion of privacy charges against vlogger Grace Contreras, better known as Maharlika, in the Central District Court of California in the United States.

According to Mel Robles, they decided to sue Contreras because their family had been affected by the baseless accusations made by the vlogger.

"Above and beyond anything else, these cases are about our quest for justice and the defense of our name, honor, integrity, and reputation," he said.

"For almost a year now, we have been subjected by Ms. Contreras to almost daily barrage of vicious, unjustifiable, and blatantly false online attacks on her YouTube channel, Boldyak TV."

"Her actions have been characterized by malicious falsehoods and derogatory remarks aimed at tarnishing our character and integrity… She has called me various names meant to deride and demean my person and sully my integrity," Mel Robles added.

He also said that Contreras has accused him of embezzling public funds, contract killing, and assisting terrorists.

"For the longest time, we tried to keep our peace, knowing fully well that all her accusations were nothing but sheer lies and fabrications, products of her vile imagination and hateful heart. We are human beings and we can only take so much," Mel Robles said.

They decided to file the cases immediately after Contreras allegedly posted a picture of their daughter.

"She published the picture of my 13-year-old daughter, among other things. But I think that broke the camel's back. You are accusing me of hiring killers and committing murder, then you expose my daughter. What if my child becomes a victim of a hate crime?" he said.

Contreras has yet to release a statement.

MEL PICKS COUNSEL IN DEPP DEFAMATION CASE

Mel Robles will be represented by lawyer Camille Vasquez, who also represented actor Johnny Depp in the widely publicized defamation case against his former wife, Amber Heard.

"I chose a very good lawyer whom I think has specialized sa ganitong klase ng reputation and brand management, kasi kailangang makita niya na hindi to biro, just because you can, you will... She must be really good. It took a while before she took our case, kasi pinag-aralan niya rin if it’s a good case. I thing she saw the merit ng kaso that's why she took the case," Mel Robles said.

(I chose a very good lawyer who I think specializes in this kind of reputation and brand management. She must be really good. It took a while before she took our case because she studied it to see if it had merit. I think she saw the merit of the case, which is why she took it.)

ASSOCIATION WITH MARCOS ADMIN REASON BEHIND ATTACKS?

According to the PCSO chief, his association with the current administration could be the reason he is a target of Contreras' accusations, as she is a known critic of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"I think it's a logical conclusion because I don't know her, and she doesn't know me. The only consistent thing with her is that she maligns anything related to the administration, so it's a safe conclusion, I think," he said.

According to the 23-page complaint filed by the Robles couple, the case was filed in the Central District Court of California because "the parties are of diverse citizenship and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000."

They also stressed that the California court has jurisdiction over the case because Contreras resides in California and "substantial parts of the events giving rise to the claim occurred in this judicial district, as the Defendant is based here and the statements at issue were published in this judicial district”.

Mel Robles meanwhile urged Contreras to face the cases filed against her.

"Now I’m bringing justice to your doorsteps, hindi ka kayang protektahan ng Pacific Ocean. I will bring justice, and I will bring it to you, just be brave enough, harapin ang consequences niya," he said.

(Now I’m bringing justice to your doorsteps. The Pacific Ocean can't protect you. I will bring justice, and I will bring it to you. Just be brave enough to face the consequences.)