Bayan sees 'dark days ahead' for press freedom after Maria Ressa conviction

The conviction of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former Rappler researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. of cyber libel is an extreme misfortune for press freedom, an activist leader said on Monday.

In a statement, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary-General Renato Reyes said the guilty verdict will also affect the confidence of Filipinos in expressing themselves online.

“The guilty verdict on Maria Ressa and Rey Santos signals dark days ahead for press freedom. It sends a chilling effect not just on journalists but on every Filipino who wishes to express themselves online,” he said.

“Amid this latest attack on rights and freedoms, we ask the people to defend press freedom and to resist all forms of repression. All those experiencing attacks should stand together and resist.”

On Monday, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 judged Ressa and Santos, Jr. guilty of cyber libel

Both remain free after being granted post-conviction bail.

The court ordered Ressa and Santos "jointly and severally" to pay businessman Wilfredo Keng, the private complainant, P200,000 in moral damages and P200,000 in exemplary damages

However, Rappler, as company, was declared to have no liability by the court.

Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa handed down the ruling after less than a year of trial. The promulgation of judgment was initially scheduled for April.

"There is no curtailment of the right to freedom of speech and of the press," the judge said in the ruling.

"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," she added.  -- Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News