Nobel Laureate Acquitted In Philippine Tax Case

Philippines Nobel laureate, Maria Ressa and her news site Rappler were acquitted of tax fraud by a trial court, in another legal victory for the embattled journalist and for press freedom in the Southeast Asian country.

Ressa, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 alongside a Russian journalist, is head of Rappler, which earned a reputation for its intense scrutiny of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly war on drugs.

After the verdict was announced, Ressa told reporters her acquittal sends a “good signal” to the business community, as her tax charges “have a lot to do with the rule of law.”

“The acquittal now strengthens our resolve to continue with the justice system, to submit ourselves to the court despite the political harassment, despite the attack on press freedom,” Ressa said.

“It shows that the court system works. We hope to see the remaining charges dismissed,” she added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has been in office for 14 months, has said he would not interfere in the court cases against Rappler.

Rappler is still operating unhindered pending its appeal against a closure order from the securities regulator.

Francis Lim, one of Ressa’s lawyers, said the team hoped the latest acquittal would lead to the dismissal of the other cases, including the closure order.

The Philippines is ranked 132 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, describing its media as “extremely vibrant despite the government’s targeted attacks and constant harassment” against journalists that are “too critical.”

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere