Leni Robredo gave her reaction to Maria Ressa’s conviction
Vice President Leni Robredo reacted to Rappler CEO Maria Ressa’s cyber libel conviction that took place at the Manila RTC on Monday.
Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa found Ressa guilty of cyber libel charges filed by businessman Wilfredo Keng. The decision was issued on June 15. This was criticized by those who believe that the conviction of the media personality is a curtailment of press freedom.
On the other hand, the Malacanang Palace, through Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a recent press briefing, stated that President Rodrigo Duterte is not behind the court’s decision against the Rappler CEO, who is known for her vocal criticisms against the present administration.
The Spokesperson of the Chief Executive even stressed that people should respect the decision of the court.
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However, Leni Robredo, the second-highest political personality in the Philippines said that the decision of the Manila RTC is a threat to every Filipino and a threat to press freedom, based on the report from Inquirer.
In her statement, the Vice President even called the court ruling a “chilling development.” “If the law and our government institutions can be brought to bear upon Ms. Ressa, then we should be wary of what this means to the freedoms of ordinary citizens,” Robredo said.
She also told the public to remember that this is “merely the latest instance” that the law is being used to muzzle the freedom of the press. The Vice President added that harassing, silencing, and using the law against media is a clear threat to those who are expressing their views to “keep quiet or you are next.”
The Vice President also highlighted the significance of the media amid the COVID-19 pandemic to bring to the public the needed information.
“Despite this outcome, it is incumbent upon the press, and every free Filipino, to hold fast to our courage and not be cowed into silence. If anything, this must only firm up our resolve as we work towards a humane, truthful, and law-abiding society,” Leni Robredo said.
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