By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Mel Robles has maintained his composure despite a year of “baseless accusations” from anti-PBBM vlogger Grace Contreras, known as Maharlika.
The situation escalated when Contreras allegedly posted a picture of Robles’ 13-year-old daughter.
“She published a picture of my daughter, among other things. That was the breaking point. Accusing me of hiring killers and committing murder, then exposing my child—it’s unacceptable. What if my child became a victim of a hate crime?” Robles expressed.
Robles and his wife Sherwil have filed defamation and invasion of privacy charges against Maharlika in the Central District Court of California.
The Robleses will be represented by lawyer Camille Vasquez, known for her role in Johnny Depp’s defamation case against Amber Heard.
“I chose a very good lawyer specializing in reputation and brand management. It took a while for her to take our case, as she carefully evaluated its merits. Her decision to represent us confirms the case’s strength,” Robles said.
He added that they decided to take legal action due to the impact on their family from Maharlika’s accusations.
“These cases are about our pursuit of justice and defense of our name, honor, integrity, and reputation,” Robles emphasized.
“For almost a year, we have faced almost daily vicious, unjustifiable, and false attacks on her YouTube channel, Boldyak TV.”
“Her actions have involved malicious falsehoods and derogatory remarks aimed at damaging our character. She has used various names to belittle me and undermine my integrity,” he said.
Robles stated that Maharlika has accused him of embezzlement, contract killing, and assisting terrorists.
“We tried to remain peaceful, knowing her accusations were lies and fabrications born from her vile imagination and hateful heart. We are human, and there’s only so much we can endure,” Robles concluded.
(ia/mnm)
