Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during the 36th Joint Meeting of the United Nations Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on June 28, 2024.  Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

CEBU CITY— Two individuals are facing multiple criminal complaints after allegedly posting defamatory content against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-CEVRO) said on Monday. 

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The complaints, which include ten counts of cyber libel and inciting to sedition, stemmed from online posts accusing the governor of corruption and claiming she owns a multi-million-dollar yacht—allegations the NBI said are baseless and entirely fabricated.

"Pinapalabas nila na corrupt si Governor Garcia. Kesyo may-ari siya ng million dollars worth ng yate, without any proof. Hindi naman totoo 'yun," said NBI-CEVRO Regional Director Rennan Oliva during a media briefing. 

Garcia personally sought the NBI’s assistance in identifying and investigating the individuals responsible for the posts, which were reportedly circulated by accounts suspected of spreading disinformation.

Upon review, the NBI determined that the posts were designed to publicly shame and discredit Garcia, potentially influencing public opinion in Cebu and disturbing community peace.

"Not only na nasira 'yung pangalan ni Governor Garcia, nag-i-steer up 'yan ng taumbayan dito sa province of Cebu against the Governor para hindi siya paniwalaan," Oliva noted.

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Oliva emphasized that the accused had no evidence to support their claims and were likely motivated by the desire to gain attention or engagement on social media. 

“Wala silang masabi [na ebidensya]. Para siguro mabili ‘yung mga post nila, para pumatok ‘yung post nila, pinapalabas nila,” he said. 

While reminding the public of their right to free expression, the NBI urged netizens to exercise responsibility online.

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