Robredo camp mulls legal action over malicious video

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11) — The team of presidential candidate Leni Robredo is discussing legal action over the spread of an alleged fake sex video targeting her family, vice presidential spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said on Monday.

"Links to an alleged sex video are circulating around the twitterverse," said Gutierrez. "Our lawyers are studying our options for legal action."

He said the video was a "malicious fabrication" but did not mention who was the target. Social media posts claimed that Robredo's daughter Aika was implicated. Gutierrez said the team reported the video to the platforms concerned to have it taken down.

"Our supporters should see this for what it is: A distraction," he added. "Malinaw na krimen ito. At ang paraan para talunin ang mga ganito once and for all: Manalo tayo sa halalan, ayusin ang sistema, at panagutin ang mga nagkakalat nito."

[Translation: It is clear that it is a crime. And the way to beat this once and for all: win the elections, fix the system and hold accountable those who are behind it.]

The Vice President herself posted a cryptic tweet and her daughter Aika shared the same post.

"Best antidote to fake news is the TRUTH. Let us not lose focus. Tuloy tuloy lang ang paggawa ng kabutihan (Let us continue to do the good thing). This was how I survived the last 6 years," said Robredo.

Gabriela Party-list also slammed the harassment against Aika, calling it a "desperate sexist strategy" to undermine the Robredo campaign.

"This is a cheap, sexist online attack meant to demean women and to distract the public from VP Robredo's crusade for good governance, health-based pandemic response, and people's welfare," said Rep. Arlene Brosas in a statement.