Caloocan LGU worker files cyber libel complaint over FTTM’s ‘GTA VI’ meme

Adi Joaquim Tolentino

A Caloocan City government employee has filed a complaint for cyber libel and unjust vexation against the Facebook meme page Follow The Trend Movement (FTTM) after he was depicted in a post referencing the video game Grand Theft Auto VI.

The now-deleted meme, posted on June 7, showed the back of the employee while driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with the caption, “LEAKED: GTA VI Caloocan City.”

The complainant, a person with disability (PWD) working for the Caloocan City Assessment Department, claimed that someone recognized him despite his face not being shown in the photo.

He filed his complaint before the Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office against FTTM Media Director Mark Anicas, Partnerships Lead Erika Antuerfia, and Content Executive Jane Grafane.

The complaint cites alleged violations of RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for PWDs, and unjust vexation under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code.

The Facebook meme had garnered more than 8,300 reactions, 197 comments, and 684 shares before it was taken down.

The employee said he reached out to FTTM through Facebook Messenger on June 8 to request the deletion of the post, but only received an automated reply.

FTTM deleted the meme the following day.

Rappler sought an interview with the employee and his legal counsel, but they declined to comment.

FTTM’s lawyer, Alexandra Soledad, argued that the post focused on the use of an ATV on a highway and not on the employee or his condition.

“The comparison was directed at the general scene…. It does not in any way attribute to misconduct or malice on the part of the complainant. It was intended to show the concept of GTA, so it’s not intended for him, does not attack him, and there’s no overt act saying he’s being ridiculed,” Soledad said as the respondents filed their counter-affidavit on August 4.

She added that an anonymous source submitted the photo to FTTM.

Anicas said the page encourages followers to submit entries for memes, which undergo screening before posting.

He also said they have long expressed support for PWDs.

“The allegations are quite an overreach, honestly, since we can’t advocate for something and then eventually go against it,” Anicas said.

Soledad described the case as “an attempt to suppress press freedom and freedom of speech.”

“Libel is intended to restrict unprotected speech and protect the repute and dignity of others, but not to silence those who wish to speak within the bounds of law,” she said.

FTTM has published several memes targeting Caloocan projects since May, with posts often demanding government accountability.

Even non-Caloocan residents have sent complaints to the page in hopes of prompting action from their local governments.

The Caloocan employee is set to file his reply-affidavit on August 13.