Frasco files cyber libel against journalist in Cebu

Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco has taken legal action against journalist Rigoberto Tiglao. On March 19, Frasco filed a criminal complaint for cyber libel. This comes after Tiglao accused him of being “bribed” for signing an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. Frasco strongly denied the accusation and stated it harmed his reputation. He stressed that his decision to support the impeachment was based on his principles and his commitment to his constituents. He said, “My vote and my principles are not for sale.” Tiglao made these claims in an article published in The Manila Times. In response, the newspaper issued an apology on February 19, acknowledging that Tiglao's assertions were misleading. They admitted that this unverified article caused significant damage to Frasco's reputation. While Frasco respects the media's role in democracy, he condemned Tiglao’s actions as reckless. He stated, “This legal action is not just about defending my personal honor; it is a stand for truth and accountability in media practices.” Frasco’s political career spans almost two decades. He began as the youngest Mayor of Liloan in Cebu from 2007 to 2016 and later served in various roles before being elected to Congress in 2019. His focus has been on improving the quality of life for his constituents through education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. He emphasized his commitment to integrity and transparency in his service.