The conviction of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos for cyber libel is deemed to be another somber day for press freedom by several lawmakers and media advocates.
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo herself released a statement on Monday saying that threat to freedom of one is a threat to the freedom of all.
“Silencing, harassing, and weaponizing law against the media sends a clear message to every dissenting voice: Manahimik kayo, kung ayaw ninyong matulad sa kanila (Stay silent if you do not want to be like them),” she said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the public to continue their calls for free speech and press freedom.
Senator Francis Pangilinan noted that he was not surprised with the verdict, considering that the current political atmosphere of this government is teeming with “repression and authoritarianism.”
Senator Leila de Lima said her detention alone is just “one of the thousand ways” that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte tries to instill fear in those “who fight for what is just and right.”
On Monday, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 handed down its verdict and found Ressa and Santos guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 over an investigative story linking businessman Wilfredo Keng to alleged illegal activities, primarily human trafficking and drug smuggling.
Ressa and Santos were sentenced to jail for six months up to six years.