National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: We Remember Falle Colleagues and our Vow to Assert Press Freedom (02.11.2021)

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: NUJP to Roque – Don’t deny Cencorship on PH Press (12.10.2021)

Philippines: Makabayan bloc – House Resolution No. 2287 – Commending and Congratulating Journalist Maria Ressa for being the first Filipino Awardee of the Prestigious Nobel Peace Prize (11.10.2021)

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUPJ): 33 Years Later, Solidarity for Press Freedom and for Media Still Needed (30.07.2021)

Opinion: Rodrigo be consistent

The Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte have today been inconsistent. He has released a “Message” supporting the press and being a genuine part of the World Press Freedom Day of 2021. He has come out with a positive statement, which seems like what you should say. However, on the same day he retaliates against the ABS-CBN. Which he has had an issue with for years. Just like his government have gone after Rappler too. Not like he values them or their freedom of the press.

These two companies have gotten into trouble for their reporting. Their actions and their issues with Rodrigo. Yes, ABS-CBN had really vicious adverts during the Presidential Campaign before Duterte was elected. Still, the state have retaliated against the media network and media house of ABS-CBN.

He is the Head of State but can never overcome the shortcomings of others in the past. The President never have the ability to let bygones be bygones. That is a sign of weakness and not strength. If he wants to seem like a big-man and a powerful individual. This is not it. He is like a whiny teen who is still mad at the crush who never returned the feelings or the appreciation of the other one. Duterte is furious that someone did him dirty and cannot overcome it. That is just tragic. Knowing the power of his office and all his allies across the Republic.

If he believes in freedom of the press. Prove it. Not just challenge the franchise of ABS-CBN again. Not go after the Rappler like you have done. If you believes in these things. Not only praise and behind the “yes-man” but let “nay-sayers” get a voice. Still, that is apparently a lot to ask for. Since you are just brutal and doesn’t have a heart to act otherwise.

As the President he can be responsible and wise, but this is just foolish. This man could be so much better and his advisors could have given him a heads-up. Seems like they fear challenging him or question his actions. The President is praising the press, but at the same day saying one of the biggest media network shouldn’t get licence to operate. That shows how ruthless he is and not caring about these values. These values cannot matter to him… when he wants to suffocate and silence the ABS-CBN.

Duterte could show some humility and be the better man, but that is apparently to much to ask. The ABS-CBN know what they triggered and did, but the President should know the dirty game of politics. As he has been involved in that for so many years in Davao and later in Manilla. He should know this perfectly well. Instead of going after them, but he should undress them and show them where they were wrong. To take away their ability to report, have licences and go after their heads. His just showing why people is questing his paths in the first place.

Rodrigo needs to chill, eat some adobo and drink a red horse beer. That would be healthy for him. I doubt he would do so, but in this instance. He should be the bigger man, but when it comes to him. That’s too much to ask apparently. Peace.

Philippines: Ressa finally pinned by the Authorities

This has been a slow train coming. The Philippine authorities has gone after her since the beginning of the reign of President Rodrigo Duterte. If you thought the ABS-CBN issues was a retaliation from the government towards the press. The same authorities has directly gone after Rappler and Maria Ressa since the start. They have wanted this so bad and found their escape.

Ressa and her online news organization have had issues with Duterte since the campaigning before the election. Duterte Campaign even blocked a Rappler reporter from his campaign. I’m sure plenty has forgotten about that part. So, to me there are clearly merits to the libel against Ressa, but they are not sanctioning the company. The company that they have gone after for its ownership and structure. Just like they have done with ABS-CBN. If you see pattern, I see it too.

That they finally got Ressa was just a matter of time. They got an old article and found some discrepancies and could with this get her detained. That’s because she is challenging the throne without any fear. The way the Rappler and Vera Files are going after the state officials and dropping juicy bombs that interfere with the way they are operating. The state doesn’t want that, but want clapping and cheers from the media houses. They want empty suits and celebrities cheering on and praising the team. This is not what the Rappler does and that’s why its so hard hit.

For the ones following, this was just a matter of time. The authorities have worked hard to pin something on Rappler and Ressa. They have been so on their case, that they have to more careful than anyone else. Whatever they do and whatever they say: It would scrutinized to hell and back. That is why we are here and seeing this happening over an old article from 2012 republished in 2014. It is just so fitting.

Yes, there are merits to the wrongdoing of some statements in the article and allegations towards the Wilfredo Keng. Still this is very fitting that this happens to a CEO and leader of a Media House or Outlet, which publish articles and stories that the government don’t want to have out. That’s why this is happening here and not to government friendly press. They are shielded, even if they could do something similar.

So with this in mind. Duterte and team can celebrate. They finally got one of their targets and possibly detained up to six years. Ressa is a target for who she is and what does. She is maybe not always correct about it. Still, the need for these voices are there. If this was cyber libel and defamation of character. Than, its weird that the article is still online. The one that is the reason for this case.

Now it will be easier to get rid of unfriendly stories. To give way to the ones writing, narrating and documenting wrongdoing by the authorities and the associates. The pork barrels and other schemes can be easier hidden. Since if you might write about it. They can libel your ass and your in the slammer. Instead of revealing a dishonest civil servant or public official, which the media should do. They have the microphone and the platform to undress the kings. However, if they are not allowed to do this. Then there is something wrong with the leadership.

This is worrying, this set a standard for possible criminal cases towards journalists and credited media persons. The saddest part of this is that it happened because of SUV and a Court Justice driving a car. The story on an SUV broke the back and was used a weapon against Rappler. That is how far the state goes now. The same government that are proud of destroying illegally imported vehicles. The ironies couldn’t be more blatant than this. Peace.

National Press Club of the Philippines: Struggle for Responsible and Professional Journalism! Struggle for Genuine Press Freedom! Expose and Reject Foreign Intrusion on PH Media! (02.05.2019)

Philippines: Statement of the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation – Joint Statement on the Harassment of Maria Ressa (15.02.2019)

Philippines: Prosecution, arrest of Maria Ressa not an attack on press freedom — DOJ undersecretary and spokesman Markk L. Perete (14.02.2019)

NDF of the Philippines: Duterte-Lorenzana Notion of Localized Peace talks is totally absurd and stupid for Five Major Reasons (16.07.2018)