In a virtual press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque explained that Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa need not end up in prison following her conviction. The spokesman said she can apply for probation over her cyber libel conviction to avoid imprisonment.
“The sentence of Ressa is it is subject to probation. Ibig sabihin, walang kulong kung tatanggapin ang desisyon at maga-apply ng probation (Meaning, she can apply for probation and she can be scot-free if her application is approved),” said Roque.
However, this would mean she does not get to file an appeal.
“Pero kung siya po ay aapela, mawawala ang pribilehiyo na wala ng kulong. At kapag siya ay nag-apela at natalo pa siya, kulong talaga siya (When she appeals, she will lose the privilege of avoiding jail time. And when she loses her appeal, she will be jailed),” he said.
When granted probation, an individual convicted of a criminal offense, can continue living in the community instead of going to prison as long as he or she follows the terms and conditions set by the judge or the probation officer.
Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa convicted Ressa and former research-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. of cyber libel and sentenced them to imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years.
The decision against Ressa and Santos stemmed from the 2017 cyber libel suit lodged by businessman Wilfred Keng.
