Fraudulent portrayal of PH media situationBy YEN MAKABENTAFirst wordI HAVE looked and looked, but I still could not see how the cyberlibel case against Maria Ressa could in any way be construed as involving freedom of the press in this country. The false portrayal of the cyberlibel case as a fight over press freedom arises from a basic misunderstanding of libel law, or a deliberate decision to distort the media situation in the country, most likely the latter. The discussion of libel law by these volumes is illuminating and helpful for comprehending the intricacies of the cyberlibel case against Maria Ressa. Keng has issued a full statement on the libel case, which has been published by some newspapers. I learned yesterday from reading my Times colleague Rigoberto Tiglao, that Maria Ressa is a naturalized American citizen, and only a Filipino by dual citizenship.

Source: Manila Times February 18, 2019 17:48 UTC