Lawmakers from the opposition criticized Monday the guilty verdict given to Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. for cyber libel, citing its “dangerous” effects on human rights and press freedom in general.
Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate said the conviction of the two journalists only raised “serious and grave concerns” on the context of human rights attacks against ordinary people.
“This decision is another nail on the press freedom coffin and is very dangerous not just for journalists but for everybody who uses social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter,” he said.
“This verdict can be used to haul into court and jail anyone who exposes wrongdoing in government,” he added.
Zarate added the conviction could be perceived as further suppression of freedom of the press and expression.
“This is an ominous sign of where the Duterte administration is going to bring our country. The people must fight back,” he said.
“We are calling every freedom-loving Filipino not to take this gradual constriction and curtailment of our freedoms, but, stand up, resist, and fight the forces of darkness and repression,” he added.
Also read: Rappler releases facts on cyber libel case of Maria Ressa, reporter
Edcel Lagman, Albay Representative, meanwhile said that press freedom received yet another “devastating blow” with the guilty verdict on Rappler’s Ressa and Santos.
He said the conviction is a “tragic commentary on the judiciary’s succumbing to the repressive campaign of the Executive.”
“Ressa has been the victim of the Duterte administration’s vindictive prosecution for pursuing critical advocacy against what she perceives as flawed policies of the administration, and her conviction is a wanton addition to these abusive reprisals,” Lagman said.
“Now, the cruel price of free speech and press freedom is impending incarceration. What would be imprisoned with Ressa are critical reportage and legitimate dissent even as it would hold hostage press freedom,” he added.
The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 found Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. guilty of cyber libel on Monday.
Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa released the ruling after less than a year of trial.
In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte sought the closure of Rappler for alleged foreign ownership and tax evasion – allegations the news company denied.