Philippines: Maria Ressa responded to another complaint by Wilfredo Keng

July 30, 2020, Makati, Philippines -- Rappler founder Maria Ressa sent the prosecutor today an 18 page affidavit concerning the second cyber libel complaint filed by businessman Wilfredo Keng. 

Maria Ressa was convicted of cyber libel charges last month that were also filed by Keng concerning a 2012 article published by Rappler and edited in 2014 for typos. The article revealed the alleged ties of the businessman to a child trafficking ring.

Keng accused Ressa of cyber libel last February over her tweet showing screenshots of a 2002 Philippine Star article in which the businessman was linked to the killing of a former Manila councilor along with other illegal activities.

Maria called the complaint to be full of “false and malicious allegations”.

Ressa cited a 2014 Supreme Court ruling in which the court ruled that the online libel provision in the anti-cybercrime law is constitutional, but applicable only to the original authors of the libelous material, and not those who received or reacted to it. Ressa said her sharing of the Philippine Star article does not amount to a publication or republication that may give rise to a distinct cyber libel complaint.

Maria also stated that the Philippine Star article she tweeted was informative and of public interest. 

Keng’s lawyers demanded her take down the tweet and an apology to which Maria responded negatively. “I felt this is part of holding the line – that you don't allow any kind of intimidation. So this is where we are again.” said Maria during a follow up interview with her lawyer.

Keng's complaint is at the preliminary investigation stage, in which prosecutors will determine if there is basis to file charges in court.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism keeps with #HoldtheLine advice by Maria Ressa. Fair reporting and women journalists in particular will not be silenced through intimidation by way of using law in skewed ways.