Former Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Cielo Magno filed a cyber libel complaint against vlogger Sass Rogando Sasot before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 25.
In a Facebook post, Magno shared her decision to take legal action against Sasot, stating that she had endured numerous malicious attacks from the vlogger. “Like many others, I have been the subject of malicious imputations and wrongs by Ms. Sasot,” Magno said. She added, “It’s time to push back and to use all the legal remedies that are available to us to put an end to this display of impunity.”
Magno’s complaint coincides with the ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives tri-committee on online disinformation. The committee recently issued subpoenas to several vloggers and social media personalities, including Sasot, to testify in the hearings.
Sasot, a well-known social media influencer and political commentator, has gained a significant following for her outspoken views on various political issues. However, she has also been criticized for allegedly spreading disinformation and making defamatory statements about public figures.
Magno, an economist and academic, previously served as an undersecretary at the DOF until her resignation in 2023. Her departure was linked to her public disagreement with the administration’s economic policies. Since then, she has been vocal about issues related to governance, transparency, and accountability.
The tri-committee’s inquiry aims to address the proliferation of false information online and hold accountable those responsible for spreading misleading content. Sasot’s inclusion in the list of personalities summoned to the hearings highlights the growing scrutiny faced by social media influencers and vloggers.
Magno’s decision to pursue a cyber libel case against Sasot underscores her commitment to fighting what she described as a culture of impunity in the digital space. “We cannot allow lies and baseless accusations to go unchallenged. This is about defending the truth and protecting the integrity of public discourse,” Magno emphasized.
The Office of the City Prosecutor is expected to review the complaint and determine whether formal charges will be filed against Sasot. As the case unfolds, it is likely to draw public attention and fuel ongoing discussions about the accountability of social media personalities in the Philippines.
Today, I filed a criminal complaint against Sass Sasot for the crime of cyberlibel. Like many others, I have been the subject of malicious imputations and wrongs by Ms. Sasot.
— Cielo Magno (@cielo_magno) March 25, 2025
It’s time to push back and to use all the legal remedies that are available to us to put an end to… pic.twitter.com/ULWlKrSBQC