Vice Mayor-elect of Reina Mercedes, Isabela, Atty. Jeryll Harold Respicio voluntarily surrendered at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34 on Monday, June 17, to post bail in connection with cybercrime-related charges filed against him by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
In a report by RH Boy Gonzales, Respicio is currently facing two counts of violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, over alleged dissemination of fake news during the 2025 midterm elections.
The case stemmed from social media videos he posted, questioning the security of the automated election system.
“Meron na pong pirmadong warrant ang Court sa Branch 34, kaya ako nag-voluntary surrender,” Respicio told the media outside the court.
“Magpo-post kami ng bail today. Dalawa po, P32,000 kada isang kaso. Dalawang video kasi yun,” he added, noting a total bail amount of P64,000.
Under Article 154, publishing “untrue reports” that may endanger national interests can lead to criminal liability. However, Respicio maintained that his statements were neither false nor malicious.
“Hindi po [ako makakasuhan], dahil hindi po untrue yung sinabi ko na pwedeng ma-hack ang ating automated counting machines kapag connected sa internet," said Respicio.
"Sa totoo nga, sinunod naman ng COMELEC yung aking suggestion na gumawa sila ng policy na huwag i-connect yung mga makina sa internet noong araw ng elections,” he added.
He further defended his actions as being in the best interest of the nation.
"Ang ginawa ko po ay para sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa, para ma-secure ang ating automated counting machines against hacking. Ang na-harm lang ay yung may mga planong mandaya nung panahon ng eleksyon at ang na-harm lang ay ang puso ni Chairman George Garcia,” he stated.
“Asahan nyo po mga kababayan na lalaban tayo hanggang sa huli. Hanggang sa ang katotohanan ay lumabas. At magpapatuloy si Atty. Harold Respicio na ilabas ang lahat ng pagkukulang ng gobyerno... para sa susunod na election sa 2028, hindi na ito uli mangyayari,” he further vowed.
Despite the charges, Respicio’s political victory remains intact. On June 2, the COMELEC First Division lifted the suspension on his proclamation as Vice Mayor of Reina Mercedes.
