Maria Ressa is happy about the CTA’s decision
Rappler CEO and Nobel Prize Awardee Maria Ressa said “truth wins” after the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) acquitted her and her media company Rappler Holdings Corporation (RHC) for four tax evasion charges.
On Wednesday, the CTA First Division released a decision in favor of the famous journalist. During the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Department of Justice (DOJ), alleged that the RHC failed to file value-added tax (VAT) returns for the 3rd and 4th quarters and income tax return in 2015, in violation of Section 255 of the Tax Code, based on the report from ABS-CBN News.
It was also alleged that Ressa and her media company violated section 254 of the Tax Code, with the alleged attempt to evade payment of taxes.
On January 18, Maria Ressa rejoiced as she and her company were freed from these allegations. “Today, facts win. Truth wins,” she said during an interview outside the Manila courtroom after the CTA’s decision was released.
“These charges were politically motivated. We were able to prove that Rappler is not a tax evader,” she added.
To recall, Ressa is also facing a cyber libel case filed by Wilfredo Keng. Rappler is also accused of allowing foreigners to take control of its website and allegedly this is through its parent company Rappler Holdings’ issuance of “depositary receipts”.
Last year, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ordered Rappler’s shutdown. However, the company is still operating. In a previous interview, President Bongbong Marcos said that he will interfere with the cases being filed against Maria Ressa and Rappler.
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