P-pop girl group BINI has taken legal action against an individual accused of maliciously editing and uploading a video that fueled online bashing and harassment against the group.
On Monday, all eight members of BINI—Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena—appeared at the Hall of Justice in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where they formally submitted a criminal complaint through their legal counsel, Atty. Joji Alonso.
“For the information of everyone, this is not a libel case,” Alonso clarified. “We filed a cybercrime case under Section 4 (b) of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in conjunction with unjust vexation under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code.”
The complaint arose from a spliced version of BINI’s 25-minute YouTube feature on ‘People vs. Food’, where the members tasted and rated Filipino street food like turon, hopia, betamax, and balut. The shortened two-minute video highlighted only the girls’ negative reactions, which Alonso said “completely changed the show’s narrative.”
“The uploaded spliced version was cut to two minutes and contained nothing but negative reactions. This fueled online hate and bashing against BINI. This even escalated to personal attacks, name-calling, and grave insults,” Alonso explained.
“The malicious splicing of the video unjustly threw them in a bad light, causing irreparable emotional and mental distress.”
Alonso stressed that freedom of speech must come with responsibility.
“It must be remembered that freedom to post online is not an absolute right, and must be accompanied by truth, accountability and responsibility. Right to free speech ends when it starts to malign reputations or cause harm and damage upon others,” she said.
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If convicted, the respondent may face prisión mayor—six years and one day to twelve years of imprisonment. BINI is also seeking ₱1 million in damages for each member.
“BINI is taking a strong stance against this digital form of abuse which is prevalent. Literally anyone may fall victim. In filing this case, BINI stands as a voice in fighting for all those who remain unheard,” Alonso said.
The ‘People vs. Food’ episode featuring BINI, titled ‘BINI Tries & Rates Filipino Snacks!’, was uploaded on July 8 and has since gained over 3.2 million views. Critics earlier accused the group of disrespecting Filipino food, but the viral spliced clips intensified the backlash, leading to harassment and online abuse directed at the members.
