A Caloocan City government worker has lodged a complaint against Facebook meme page Follow The Trend Movement (FTTM), accusing it of cyber libel and unjust vexation after his photo was featured in one of its viral posts, Rappler reported.
The meme, uploaded on June 7, showed the back of the employee—who is a person with disability—riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on a highway. It carried the caption “LEAKED: GTA VI Caloocan City,” referencing the popular video game. The post, now deleted, drew more than 8,300 reactions, nearly 200 comments, and over 600 shares.
The employee, who works at the Caloocan City Assessment Department, said he was identified despite his face not being visible. He claimed he requested the post’s removal on June 8 via Facebook Messenger but only got an automated response. FTTM took it down the following day.
The complaint, filed before the Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office, names FTTM media director Mark Anicas, partnerships lead Erika Antuerfia, and content executive Jane Grafane. It cites alleged violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Magna Carta for PWDs, and unjust vexation under the Revised Penal Code.
FTTM’s lawyer, Alexandra Soledad, maintained that the meme was aimed at the “general scene” and not at the employee’s identity or condition. “It’s not intended for him, does not attack him, and there’s no overt act saying he’s being ridiculed,” she said, adding that the photo was submitted by an anonymous source.
Anicas emphasized that the page has long supported PWD causes, calling the allegations “an overreach.” He and Soledad view the complaint as an attempt to curb press freedom and lawful satire.
FTTM, known for its satirical takes on Caloocan projects and governance, has been posting memes on the city since May. The complainant’s reply-affidavit is set to be filed on August 13.
