ADVERTISEMENT
Ressa says cyber libel conviction a 'pivotal moment' for democracy, free press in Philippines
By NICOLE-ANNE C. LAGRIMAS,GMA NewsRappler CEO Maria Ressa on Monday said her conviction of cyber libel is a "pivotal moment" for democracy and a free press.
"This is a pivotal moment for the Philippines, and a pivotal moment not just for our democracy but for the idea of what a free press means," the veteran journalist said in a press conference shortly after a judge in Manila handed down the verdict.
They remain free after being granted post-conviction bail.
Ressa's lawyer, former Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te, said they will decide what legal action to take in the next 15 days.
"I think we're redefining what the new world is gonna look like, what journalism is going to become. Are we going to lose freedom of the press, will it be death by a thousand cuts, or are we going to hold the line so that we protect the rights that are enshrined in the Constitution even if power attacks you directly," Ressa said.
The judge who decided the case, Judge Rainelda Estacio-Monteso, said in the ruling that there was "no curtailment of the right to freedom of speech and of the press."
ADVERTISEMENT
"Each person, journalist or not has that constitutionally guaranteed right to freely express, write and make known his opinion. But with the highest ideals in mind what society expects is a responsible free press. It is in acting responsibly that freedom is given its true meaning," the judge said.
Meanwhile, Ressa said Rappler will "aim to be better, stronger." "Investigative journalism must continue," she said.
Santos, for his part, said he was saddened by the decision and said others could suffer the same fate.
"For someone who's doing his job to be here, I think it could be not just me but other people who are doing his or her job properly could be in the same situation that I am in right now," he said at the press conference.
Ressa and Rappler face other cases for alleged tax evasion and violation of the anti-dummy law.
In a separate statement, Rappler said the judgment "sets a dangerous precedent not only for journalists but for everyone online."
"It weakens the ability of journalists to hold power to account as the one-year prescription period of libel is extended to 12 years," Rappler said.
"Today marks diminished freedom and more threats to democratic rights supposedly guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution, especially in the context of a looming anti-terrorism law," it added. --KBK, GMA News