Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Zyann Ambrosio

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA<strong> (UPDATED)</strong> — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has filed cybercrime-related complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes town in Isabela over alleged inflammatory social media posts.</p><p>CICC Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso personally led the filing of complaints for Inciting to Sedition and Inciting Rebellion under the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.</p><p>Paraiso said the move serves as a stern warning to the public to exercise caution and responsibility in posting content online.</p><p>“This is a case of crime against public order committed online, and we do not tolerate such acts. We expect responsible use of social media, especially from professionals and public officials,” Paraiso said.</p><p>The complaints are backed by documentary evidence, including screen recordings and transcripts of Respicio’s posts on Facebook and YouTube.</p><p>Among the evidence cited is a video uploaded on May 19, where Respicio allegedly asked viewers, “Willing ba kayong mag-rebolusyon (Are you willing to have a revolution)?” alongside text suggesting revolution as a response to governance issues.</p><p>The video has since generated significant engagement online.</p><p>If found liable, Respicio may face imprisonment exceeding six years, along with possible administrative sanctions, including the revocation of his license to practice law.</p><p>The CICC also noted that the content may be subject to takedown measures under its coordination with Meta Platforms for potential violations involving public order.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;HINDI AKO TUMAWID SA ILLEGAL SPEECH&#x27;</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Respicio, who is a lawyer, denied that he violated any law.  </p><p>“I&#x27;m aware sa mga sinabi ko, alam ko kung anong sinabi ko. Alam kong effective akong magsalita. Alam kong effective akong mag-criticize ng government. Alam kong effective akong mag-communicate sa taumbayan,” Respicio said.</p><p>(I am aware of what I said. I know I am a good speaker and am effective at criticizing the government. I know I am effective at communicating to the people.) </p><p>“At alam ko iyong ginagawa ko. Alam kong tinutukso ko, iyong legal and illegal pero alam ko na hindi ako tumawid sa illegal speech,” he said. </p><p>(And I know what I did. I know I was treading the line between legal and illegal but I know I did not cross over into illegal speech.)</p><p>He said he would wait for the subpoena from the NBI.   </p><p>He added that his remarks were part of free speech, which he said is a foundational  principle of the Constitution and an important check on government.</p><p>He said a government with something to hide would silence people speaking against it.  </p><p>NBI director Melvin Matibag personally received the complaint, in the presence of Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Precious Hipolito-Castelo.</p><p>The CICC reaffirmed it will continue intensifying its cyberspace monitoring efforts to ensure swift action against unlawful online activities.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fbvUY7NDU8w?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has filed cybercrime-related complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation against Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio, of Reina Mercedes town in Isabela over alleged inflammatory social media posts.</p>

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has filed cybercrime-related complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation against Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio, of Reina Mercedes town in Isabela over alleged inflammatory social media posts.

Isabela town vice mayor faces cybercrime complaints over ‘revolution’ posts

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Isabela town vice mayor faces cybercrime complaints over ‘revolution’ posts

Zyann Ambrosio,

ABS-CBN News,

Cezar Galasi

Published May 22, 2026 02:45 PM PHT

|

Updated May 22, 2026 06:11 PM PHT

Read More:

Jeryll Harold Respicio

cybercrime

sedition

crime

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