Tarriela Files Cyberlibel Raps vs Blogger

Saying he has had enough of her "baseless, malicious and deeply personal online attacks," Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela declared that blogger and social media personality Sass Rogando Sasot must be held liable for cyberlibel.

- By GHIO ONG

Tarriela filed his complaint before Manila assistant city prosecutor Chris Jark Ace Maño last July 4. Movement Against Disinformation (MAD) convenor Antonio La Viña served as one of Tarriela's two counsels.

Sasot, previously cited by the House of Representatives in its hearings against fake news online, accused Tarriela of collecting $4 million from the United States as "talent fee" for his involvement in the US-initiated "Project Atlantis" that supported the government's efforts in the West Philippine Sea, according to a copy of his complaint affidavit obtained by The STAR.

Sasot also claimed Tarriela got "three black bags" from the residence of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, added the document.

Sasot published the posts on her Facebook page "For The Motherland — Sass Rogando Sasot" and her X account carrying the same name between July and October 2024, noted Tarriela.

He supplied screenshots of the said posts, all of which were seen by his staff at the PCG's West Philippine Sea Transparency Office that he heads.

"By deliberately tarnishing my character with falsehoods, the Respondent has not only attacked my personal reputation but also undermined the institution I serve, thereby impeding our ability to effectively deliver public service," said Tarriela.