PCSO GM Files Defamation Suit Against Rapper Vlogger ‘Maharlika’ Contreras

MANILA, Philippines — Melquiades Robles, general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), has filed complaints in the Central District Court of California for defamation, libel, and invasion of privacy against vlogger Claire Contreras, aka “Maharlika.”

Robles announced the news at a press conference in Quezon City on Sunday.

He said his decision was to “defend the honour, good name, reputation and dignity of his family” and to stop Maharlika from “continuously harassing and slandering them through her online vlog”.

Contreras — who is based in Los Angeles, California — reportedly rose to popularity as a pro-Marcos content creator who gained notoriety during the 2022 national elections by favoring the tandem of incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

READ: Maharlika: Influential Politician or Political Traitor

Robles said his family was subjected to “severe, unjustified and brazenly false attacks daily via Contreras’ YouTube channel, Boldyak TV,” which has more than 325,000 subscribers and more than 68 million views.

“For reasons unknown to us, he continues to deliberately spread malicious lies about us and calls me names that are intended to ridicule and discredit my reputation,” the PSCO official said, reading from his press release.

The complaint, which was filed in a US court on July 15 last year, alleged that Contreras began a “false smear campaign” against them in December 2023.

“In more than 20 separate videos that were posted online and made available to the public, Ms. Contreras falsely accused the Robleses of everything from contract killings and aiding terrorists to stealing from the Filipino people,” it said.

Robles said in a separate press release, also issued Sunday, that Contreras allegedly targeted his wife and their minor children with charges.

“Ms. Contreras’ numerous false and defamatory statements, detailed below, have caused significant harm to the Robleses’ reputation and diminished their respect in the community and the country,” the complaint states.

“Her posts expanded to include photos of the Robles’ underage daughter, posted recklessly with no regard for the harm to the Robles and their children,” it noted.

“Ms. Contreras’ posts have caused Sherwil to be particularly concerned for the safety and well-being of her family, especially her children,” it added.

“The Robleses bring this case to hold Ms. Contreras accountable for her malicious and damaging online campaign against them,” the complaint concluded.

INQUIRER.net reached out to Contreras on her official Facebook page for clarification on the matter, but had not received a response as of the time of publication.