The Philippine Judges Association (PJA) on Monday said it was “saddened” by the vilification of the judiciary and expressed fear that the public might lose faith and respect in the country’s justice system, following the cyber libel conviction of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa.
In 1981, Hollywood touched on a sensitive issue in journalism ethics, illustrating the conflict between disclosing damaging personal information and the public’s right to know.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque released a personal statement on the conviction of Rappler chief Maria Ressa and her former staff for cyber libel, saying that until laws criminalizing libel are changed, they must be applied.
US State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday the United States was concerned over the Manila trial court’s verdict, “and calls for resolution of the case in a way that reinforces the U.S. and Philippines’ long shared commitment to freedom of expression, including for members of the press.”
Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and ex-researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. can apply for probation over their cyber libel conviction to avoid prison time, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said Tuesday.