Philippines: Journalist Maria Ressa called to court following cyber libel charges

May 14, 2019, Manila, Philippines -- Earlier today, Rappler CEO and award winning journalist Maria Ressa was called to court at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 49 on counts of cyber libel.

Maria was arrested on February 13, 2019 by the NBI over already groundless claims of cyber libel. The following day, she was released with bail by Manila RTC Branch 46 after paying P100,000 (Approx. 2000 USD). Following the launch of the case, Rappler stated on its website: “This is a dangerous precedent that puts anyone — not just the media — who publishes anything online perennially in danger of being charged with libel. It can be an effective tool of harassment and intimidation to silence critical reporting on the part of the media. No one is safe”. Rappler CEO and journalist Maria Ressa has a rather long history of combat with the government over press freedom. In fact, this is only one of the 11 investigations against Rappler and its staff. These groundless accusations in total could lead up to over 100 years in prison. It is also worthy of note that the Philippines has been reported as the most dangerous country in Southeast Asia for journalists by The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Globally, the island nation came sixth on the list of most murderous countries.The systematic and politically oriented pressure on Rappler and the press is rather alarming for the Philippines. Considering the extent to which such label charges could go on killing freedom of speech in the country, The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands the court to promptly overturn this horrible decision.

The hearing of today is linked to the complaint of Wilfredo Keng regarding an article written by Reynaldo Santos and published on Rappler in 2012. It seems as clear as day that Maria Ressa is being investigated regarding an article she did not even write, edit, or supervise herself. Not only that, but the “crime” that is claimed to have been committed with the article hadn’t even taken place before the story was published back in March, 2012. 

Maria and co-accused, former Rappler researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr, refused to make a defense at the courtroom. The arraignment continued as Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montessa of the Manila RTC refused to dismiss the case. Due to procedural rules, the court made non-guilty statements on Maria and Reynaldo’s behalf. Rappler’s lawyer Ted Te testified that the Supreme Court may be the next step further down the process. "We're talking about it, we'll take a look at it. We have 60 days to decide," Ted added. 

The first legal issue that may potentially be raised to the Supreme Court is the prosecution's supposition of continuing publication of the article. Additionally, the other legal issue to be discussed is the unjustly renewed prescription period for cyber libel. Prescription period for regular libel cases has been set to one year up until now. However, the court, in its order dated April 12 ruled that the period is extended to twelve years for ‘cyber’ libel cases. So, it seems worthy of note that this out-of-the-blue extension is the only way that the DOJ could charge Maria and Reynaldo. "There are some theories damaging to all Filipinos – continuous publication, anyone who posts on Facebook will be there. The second is the prescription period for libel. That's something that should concern everyone," Maria testified after the hearing.

Maria Ressa is one of the most prominent journalists in the Philippines and highly regarded worldwide for her work. Considering the truth-telling journalism that she conducts, it is no wonder why the government is unjustly attacking her and Rappler. As obvious as it can get, the charges against Maria and Rappler are heavily political and serious violations of human rights.

The Coalition for Women in Journalism demands the authorities to promptly drop the wrongful case against Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos. We strongly condemn this dreadful accusation.