CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has requested the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI 7) to investigate two Cebuano vloggers for allegedly making malicious online statements against her.
Lawyers representing the governor told reporters on Monday, April 21, 2025, that they were able to document 10 posts containing malicious accusations by Michael Cano, who goes by the alias Deen Chase, and Efren Omayan, known online as Dong Efren.
The complaints stem from a series of posts by both vloggers linking Garcia and her family to alleged corruption and abuse, unexplained wealth, extortion, and takeover of businesses such as quarries and industrial sites without evidence.
Alex Avisado Jr., Garcia’s lead personal counsel and a senior partner at the Makati-based Gana, Atienza, Avisado Law Firm, and Rory Jon Sepulveda, Capitol’s legal consultant, both said that the accusations from Cano and Omayan were false, malicious and violated provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Avisado said, quoting the governor’s words, that the complainants’ posts had “already crossed the line” of the freedom of expression principle, particularly by mentioning Garcia’s family members.
More complaints
Sepulveda said more complaints will follow as the governor's camp has identified more individuals posting similar contents, which he said are politically motivated as the governor is seeking her third and final term in the May 12 polls.
The lawyer said the complaints serve as a warning to the public to refrain from engaging with, commenting on, or sharing the post or similar content or actions; otherwise, they will face legal repercussions.
Avisado urged the public to fact-check and verify information before engaging with such content.
"Hindi lang sila, kundi pati rin yung nag-share sa post na ito, sa nag-comment sa post ito, lahat nang gumawa ng fake accounts para magkaroon ng engagement, ay hindi natin ito palalagpasin. Itong mga attacks ninyo against Governor Garcia are personal attacks (Not only them, but also those who shared this post, those who commented on this post, and everyone who created fake accounts to generate engagement—we will not let this pass. These attacks against Governor Garcia are personal attacks)," Avisado said, clarifying these were not constructive criticism against Garcia's performance as governor but an abuse of the freedom of expression.
Allegations
Cano's April 19 post used the term "Wakwak" in apparent reference to Garcia while accusing her of corruption. He claimed she had unexplained wealth, that her child owned two airplanes, that she possessed a $10 million yacht, and that she pocketed P300 per cubic meter of sand and gravel.
He also accused Garcia of shutting down quarries to take them over. Cano claimed she closed a cement plant, mining site, and several piggeries to gain control of these businesses.
"The individual behind the message is not only connected to a reputable business entity here in Cebu, but also went the extra mile to prove the legitimacy of their claims. We scheduled a private video conference, during which this person provided extensive documentation and evidence that left me genuinely stunned," Cano said in the post.
Cano further accused Garcia of demanding P1 billion to P10 billion from a cement plant to allow the company to resume operations after the governor issued a cease-and-desist order against the firm.
Not afraid
On Monday, Cano responded that he is not afraid of the complaint.
"This is the kind of evil that Cebu is facing right now. Just because we are raising questions and demanding transparency from her governance. She immediately does what she does best. Filing a case.. haha," Cano added.
Cano added that he is currently based in California, USA, and that Garcia's complaint, filed before a Philippine court, has no jurisdiction in the foreign country and that he is protected by the US government.
Moreover, he has the freedom to criticize the public official as a "constitutional right" to demand transparency from the governor.
Avisado countered that while Cano can criticize, he is "not free to spread false and reckless" accusations against the governor without evidence.
The lawyer added that some posts had reached around 9,000 reactions and 3,000 shares as of Sunday, April 20. Those who shared the post will be "equally liable" in the complaint.
"Ang appeal namin sa lahat ng mga tao sa Cebu, lahat ng mga active sa social media, be very discerning. Mag-fact check kayo. Wag kayong mag-share ng mga public posts na hindi naman ninyo na-validate, hindi ninyo na-verify (Our appeal to all the people of Cebu, especially those active on social media: be very discerning. Do fact-checking. Do not share public posts that you have not validated or verified), because by sharing, you are equally liable for violation ng cybercrime law,” said Avisado. / EHP