This is clearly not a case of ‘freedom
of the press’ issue as the NUJP pictures it to be.
The
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) released a
statement condemning the perceived imminent arrest of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa,
accusing the Duterte administration of intimidating its critics in media.
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| Rappler's Maria Ressa (photo credit to owner) |
"The
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) warns government
against pursuing plans to arrest Rappler CEO Maria Ressa when she returns to
the country this weekend," NUJP said.
"Government
can surely pursue its case without needing to arrest Maria and haul her off to
jail—unless, of course, the intention is really to humiliate and intimidate
her," it added.
"More
than his inability to tolerate dissent, Duterte's relentless persecution of
media appears to be part of the increasingly authoritarian direction his
presidency has taken," the NUJP said.
Veteren journalist Ermin Garcia blasts NUJP calling
the situation with Ressa as a “freedom of the press” issue when it is very
clear that “Rappler's legal problem is about corporate structure and
responsibilities, not about journalism practice. And Rappler's legal team was
given the chance to respond to the charge of tax evasion, not libel.”
Rappler is taking advantage of the situation making
it as a freedom of the press issue rather than facing squarely its legal
obligation to government in paying its lawful taxes. No one should be exempted
from payment of taxes unless otherwise provided by law.
For the full quote of his Facebook post please see
below:
RAPPLER'S
CASE NOT A PRESS FREEDOM CASE. The NUJP's warning to government about the
impending arrest of Rappler's Maria Ressa is regrettable as it is misplaced.
NUJP should be the first to know and understand that no one is
above the law, especially journalists. Over the years, my colleagues in NUJP
have been consistent in speaking out for the protection of our right as
journalists in our practice as enshrined in our constitution And rightly so
even knowing fully well that our right and freedom
are still subject to our laws. NUJP isn't not aligned with its advocacy and
mandate this time.
The
case of Rappler, however, is not a press freedom case. Rappler's legal problem
is about corporate structure and responsibilitues, not about journalism
practice. And Rappler's legal team was given the chance to respond to the
charge of tax evasion, not libel.
We all admire Maria Ressa and Rappler's team for their journalism
practice but this is hardly the case. As CEO, Maria, like all CEOs, knew and
understood the risks and benefits when she decided on a corporate structure
that worked for the group"s objectives. So as a corporate citizen, Rappler
knows fully well it has its responsibilities like all media establishments.
Unfortunately, It was determined that its corporate structure
and transactions run afoul with our laws. And therefore, there are consequences
There is a law that must be upheld and Rappler can be expected
to be the first to denounce any exemption or special treatment accorded to
anyone, and for that, Rappler is respeccted and admired.
So should Maria be exempted from arrest? We expect Rappler to
say NO!
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