The Philippine court recently acquitted Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and her media company Rappler of tax evasion charges. This legal development has fueled hopes for an improved media landscape in the country, yet concerns over press freedom in one of Asia’s oldest democracies still persist.
The Legal Battle:
These tax evasion charges marked the fifth and final appeal that Ressa and Rappler had to fight against. The allegations stemmed from the supposed failure to file accurate tax returns back in 2015. Specifically, they were related to the issuance of depositary receipts to North Base Media and Omidyar Network. Earlier this year, Ressa and Rappler were cleared of four other charges regarding tax payments linked to a partnership with these companies, further strengthening their cause.
Acquittal, But Questions Remain:
The court’s decision to acquit Maria Ressa and Rappler was undoubtedly a moment of triumph. In her ruling, Judge Ana Teresa Cornejo-Tomacruz stated that they had not committed the offenses they were charged with. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether this outcome can truly pave the way for enhanced media freedom in the Philippines.
Challenges Ahead:
Ressa’s acquittal does not signify the end of legal challenges she and Rappler face. Two additional cases continue to loom over them. Firstly, Rappler is battling against an order issued by the Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission to cease operations on grounds of allegedly violating regulations against foreign ownership in mass media. Secondly, Maria Ressa herself is appealing a cyber libel conviction, which could potentially result in nearly seven years of imprisonment.
Historical Context:
The issue of media suppression brings to mind the dark days of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who clenched his iron fist around the media industry during Martial Law in 1972. He silenced and took over prominent media outlets, leaving only a handful of print media under close associates’ control. The echoes of this past regime resonate even today, accentuated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vow to protect press freedom following the tragic killing of a veteran broadcaster in October.
An Uncertain Outlook:
While the acquittal brings a momentary sense of relief, media freedom activists and experts are cautious about prematurely celebrating its significance. Some argue that the nature of governmental power in the current administration, reminiscent of Duterte’s rule, still poses challenges to a free press. Vergel Santos, a trustee at the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, highlights that true progress can only be measured by ongoing shifts in governmental policies and actions, not isolated legal victories.
Maria Ressa’s acquittal and the subsequent freedom granted to Rappler represent a crucial milestone in upholding freedom of the press in the Philippines. However, the battle is far from over. With ongoing legal cases, the struggle for media freedom and the protection of journalists’ voices continues.
Market Capital Research 