Rappler’s Maria Ressa Gives Message Following Guilty Court Ruling
Rappler’s Maria Ressa spoke about defending rights after a guilty Court ruling was released against her for cyber libel.
Maria Ressa, a journalist and the Chief Executive Officer of Rappler, is facing charges over a 2012 news article linking a businessman to illegal actions. It was entitled, “CJ using SUVs of controversial businessman”.
Reynaldo Santos Jr., a former researcher of the news website, is also facing the same cyber libel case. Several other charges including tax fraud, Anti-Dummy Law, and a violation of the Securities Regulation Code were filed against Rappler and its CEO.
Allegations that former Department of Justice (DOJ) Chief Renato Corona was using a vehicle of a businessman during his impeachment trial crossed the surface.
In 2012, businessman Wilfredo Keng spoke and accused the news website of tainting his reputation. The issue gained different reactions from the people.
Today, the Court has decided on the cyber libel charges against Rappler’s Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. The two (2) were found guilty by Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa.
VISIT: Maria Ressa Cyber Libel Case: Court Announces Verdict On Rappler CEO
In a live stream by ABS-CBN News, Maria Ressa could be seen and heard telling the public and the journalists to protect the rights and not to be afraid. She stressed that rights must be defended.
“If you don’t use your right, you will lose them… We should not be voluntarily giving up our rights,” the Rappler CEO said.
As of this writing, Ressa said that she and Santos have not talked yet. More updates regarding the matter may be posted soon.
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