Multiple charges have been filed against Harry Roque and Maharlika.
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and vlogger Claire Contreras, known online as “Maharlika,” are to face charges because of the “polvoron video.”
Under oath, a political vlogger claimed that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was involved in spreading the altered “polvoron” video. The video insinuated that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was using an illegal substance, with “polvoron” used as a euphemism due to its crumbly consistency similar to the famous Filipino sweet dessert.
The video depicted a man who looked like the president, who was consuming something powdery.
According to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago, multiple charges have already been filed against vlogger Claire Contreras, also known as Maharlika, and former presidential spokesman Atty. Harry Roque.
“This video coincided with the President’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), raising suspicions of malicious timing and intent,” the document read, obtained by ABS-CBN News.
The video went viral on Facebook and was reuploaded by a page managed by Contreras. It went viral, and the video gained a lot of attention.
In March 2025, Maharlika streamed a live broadcast with the confession that she released the video. In the same stream, she mocked government critics, defended her actions, and even expressed that her intention was to raise public awareness and protest.
Maharlika faces charges of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances, Inciting to Sedition, Cyber Libel, and Computer-Related Forgery. Roque, on the other hand, is charged with inciting to sedition.
Regarding the “polvoron video” that involved the president, the leader himself reacted, and according to him, the probe is up to the law enforcement agencies.
Roque denied the accusations of vlogger Vicente Cunanan, who alleged that Roque was behind the video.
What can you say about this? Let us know in the comments!