Philippine Journalist Maria Ressa faces third libel case

 

Philippine Yellow Journalism and Media Crisis
Published by Anilov Mijarez
Manila, Philippines

Manila - Philippine journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa now faces her third libel case, this time over the malicious article that she published regarding  " thesis for sale " at the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

The article was published on in January of 2020, stating that Saint Benilde professor Ariel Pineda allow his students to pass their thesis subject 20,000 PHP through a middle man

Pineda is a well known professor in the Export Management Program and a program director who is also dedicated to Saint Benilde.  

Along with Ressa, Rambo Talabong is also charged with libel, Ressa is being sued for her capacity as chief editor of Rappler, a position she renounced since her first libel case in June of 2020.

Both Ressa and Talabong have issued and posted 30,000 PHP bail, according to their lawyer Theodore Te.

The information regarding the third cyber libel case was dated December 7, 2020 and was filled before the  Manila Regional Trial Court branch 24.

The article published by Rappler contains false, malicious, derogatory, and highly libelous imputation as well as offensive insinuation against the good name, character and reputation of Pineda.

However, Talabong and Rappler stood firm by their story regarding the allegation.

" I spent weeks reporting and weeks more doing everything to ensure that the story is fair." Talabong said in a statement.

Te raised the concern that cyber libel is now being used as first option for those who don't agree with the published news.

" That's the problem with libel and cyber libel laws which make these acts criminal - a private dispute becomes a public offense where the government gets involved. As a result, the implications of freedom of expression and of the press are significant." Te said.

Te, Talabong and Rappler say the case makes decriminalization  of libel and cyber libel more imperative with former calling on congress to re-examine these laws.

" We reiterate the multi-sectoral call to decriminalize libel and to stop these relentless attacks against journalists who, despite obstacles thrown their way, continue to shine the light of pandemic and forms of everyday terror." Rappler said.

" No journalist should be intimidated for doing their job." Talabong said