The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines welcomes the dismissal of the cyber libel case against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and journalist Rambo Talabong but note as well that this is just one of many cases filed against her and Rappler.
While this is a welcome development, libel and cyber libel remain a threat to press freedom and to media workers.
We join in their relief that the case has been dismissed and join them as well in the continuing call to decriminalize libel. That someone can be jailed for a story is a throwback to colonial times and is incompatible with the freedoms of the press and of speech that are essential to democracy.
Reference:
National Directorate
+639175155991