DISBARMENT COMPLAINT. Lawyer Melvin Matibag files a disbarment complaint against his fellow former Duterte administration official Harry Roque before the Supreme Court in Manila on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2024). The complaint stemmed from Roque’s alleged fake videos posted on social media. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)
MANILA – A disbarment complaint was filed Tuesday before the Supreme Court (SC) against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in connection with his posts on social media.
Former Duterte administration acting Cabinet secretary Melvin Matibag said he filed the complaint to give the high court an opportunity to set definite rules on the proper use of social media platforms by lawyers.
"He is a friend. I cannot give you a copy of the complaint under the rules but hopefully this will provide an opportunity for the court to give guidelines on how officers of the court can use social media," Matibag said in an ambush interview.
In a number of instances, Roque allegedly posted fake videos involving public figures.
"The disbarment case filed against me for my social media post ... is a desperate act of attention," Roque said in a statement.
"We have to understand that the posting of the video in social media is protected by free speech under the privileged doctrine.” (PNA)
