Court Convicts Rappler CEO Maria Ressa Guilty in Cyber Libel Case

Manila court convicts Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. over the cyber libel case filed by businessman Wilfredo Keng.

Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 on Monday convicted online news organization Rappler’s CEO Maria Ressa, and former researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. over the cyber libel case involving businessman Wilfredo Keng.

Rappler’s lawyer Atty. Theodore Te said they will be filing an appeal against the ruling,

RELATED ISSUE: Maria Ressa Rappler CEO is being charged for a cyber libel that happened in 2012 during Aquino Administration

The charges stem from a 2012 Rappler article which reported on Keng’s alleged connection to illegal activities, including human trafficking and drug smuggling.

Keng filed the complaint in 2017, nearly five years after the article was posted on Rappler’s website.

“The article was published by Rappler, without observing the ethical standards of journalism. It contained malicious imputations of crimes, with bad intentions, purposely to malign, dishonor and discredit my character and good reputation,” the complaint read.

Rappler, however, said that Santos, who bore the story’s byline, only cited an intelligence report, as well as a 2002 news article which already reported on the same allegations.

In addition, the organization maintained that Keng’s side was published and that he was “repeatedly asked” by the reporter. The businessman has said that Rappler, Ressa and Santos never attempted to obtain his side or to fact-check the “baseless attacks” against him.

While the story was initially published months before the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 was passed, the prosecution has argued that the article was republished on February 19, 2014.

But according to Rappler, there were no substantial modifications made to the story, as the update only involved correction of typographical errors. Te has also noted that the temporary restraining order on the cybercrime law was still in effect when the story was updated, hence, the republication principle should not apply.

Te earlier said they are ready to bring the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.

Ressa and Santos may face imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to up to seven years. Keng has also demanded ₱50 million in damages.

ALSO READ: Read: US urges Philippines to let Maria Ressa ‘operate freely’

source: CNN

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