Paolo Duterte Files Cyber Libel Complaint Against GMA Network Over Gracioso Bribery Report

Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte filed a cyber libel complaint against officials and journalists of GMA Network over the network's report on bribery claims against him and Vice President Sara Duterte. Rappler reported that the complaint was filed with the Davao City prosecutor's office on Friday, October 23.

Who the Complaint Names at GMA Network

The complaint names National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, former cop Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., GMA chairman Felipe Gozon, GMA president Gilberto Duavit Jr., anchors Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales and Emil Sumangil, senior reporter Darlene Cay, executive producer Marvin Parado and director Joel San Luis.

GMA Network said in a statement that it has yet to receive a copy of the complaint. "We will review the matter and comment accordingly upon receipt," the network said.

The legal action remains at the complaint level. Prosecutors will first assess whether the complaint has sufficient evidence to become a case. If prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction is found, prosecutors will indict the respondents and file a case with the court.

In his eight-page affidavit, Gracioso claimed he delivered millions of pesos to the Vice President when she was still mayor of Davao City. He alleged similar incidents occurred almost 10 times from 2018 to 2020, and claimed he also delivered money to Representative Duterte. GMA Network was the first to publish a report about Gracioso's affidavit.

Days later, on October 6, the Vice President held a press conference where she denied the allegations and said Gracioso was motivated by anger and money. In the same press conference, she jokingly said she would file a libel complaint against the network. "Puwede ko ba i-libel ang GMA News nito? Hindi man lang sila nag-check ba? Nagturo. Libel ko itong GMA," the Vice President jokingly said.

GMA Network's Broadcast and Distribution Reach

GMA Network is a publicly listed Philippine broadcast and media company operating flagship TV channel GMA 7, three international channels serving the Filipino diaspora, and divisions spanning news, entertainment, radio, film and talent management, according to akta.pro company records. The same records list an estimated revenue of $250 million-$500 million and an estimated valuation of $500 million-$1 billion, with a headcount range of 1001-5000. Its international channels, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV, are distributed via cloud-based IP delivery across four regions: the Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific, the United States, and Canada.

Earlier GMA Network Developments

In July 2026, GMA Network Inc. announced it was prepared for the Philippine government's planned analog television switch-off in Mega Manila, scheduled for November 22, covering Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, Inquirer reported. The network was preparing to cease analog television broadcasts in Mega Manila by November 22 to comply with government mandates, transitioning to an all-digital broadcast format, Manila Bulletin reported.

In August 2026, GMA Network, through its subsidiary GMA New Media Inc., joined the Department of Trade and Industry and Converge ICT Solutions in launching the AI & Scale-Up Center in Makati City on August 11.

What Happens Next

Prosecutors will assess whether the complaint has sufficient evidence to become a case. If prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction is found, they will indict the respondents and file a case with the court.