MANILA — In response to a National Bureau of Investigation charge on his online posting of a supposed medical certificate of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., vlogger Jack Argota submitted his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice on Tuesday.

Argota refused to provide information about his counter-affidavit.

The vlogger has been accused with unlawful publication and cyberlibel in connection to his post.

Argota stated he would let prosecutors handle the preliminary investigation when asked if he pushed the DOJ to reject the allegation.

In the counter‑affidavit, Argota disputed the accusations made in the NBI complaint and laid out his defense, disputing the characterization of his actions under the country’s cyberlibel law. The counter‑affidavit is part of the preliminary investigation process at the DOJ, where prosecutors will assess whether there is enough probable cause to indict him and move the case to trial.

Online libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175) and unlawful publication of false news under the Revised Penal Code were both mentioned in the initial complaint submitted by the NBI’s Cybercrime Division. Authorities claim that by disseminating fake documents via electronic methods, Argota’s online remarks “dishonored, discredited, or caused contempt” against an individual.

Statements made at the time of the complaint filing allege that Argota first complied with an NBI subpoena and admitted to posting the fictitious documents for social media interaction, saying he shared them because he thought the content was legitimate.

Before determining whether to press charges and move on with formal case filings in court, prosecutors will now consider Argota’s counter-affidavit and the facts put forth by both parties.

In relation to the same matter with the purported dissemination of fake medical data, the NBI previously filed separate cyber libel complaints against vlogger Jeffrey Luces Celiz, also known as “Ka Eric Celiz,” and former broadcaster Jay Sonza.

The DOJ is currently conducting a preliminary inquiry into the case.

The NBI stated that it is still dedicated to maintaining accountability in the digital sphere and enforcing the law impartially.

Malacañang previously stated that the NBI now controls the fate of those responsible for the dissemination of the President’s fictitious medical records.