Palace insists freedom of expression not issue in Rappler’s case

December 9, 2018

The Philippine government insists online news agency Rappler is facing tax evasion and not being persecuted for freedom of expression as a United Nations rapporteur claims.

"...tax evasion is a serious offense not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well. The case against the media outfit has absolutely nothing to do with the freedom of expression. Being a media entity and a journalist cannot shield them from criminal prosecution when they violate the law. A court of competent jurisdiction has found probable cause against them; hence, they have been formally charged," said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement on Sunday.

On Monday, Rappler Holdings Corp. and its president Maria Ressa posted a bail of P60,000 at Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 265 for alleged violation of the Tax Code.

Panelo said an "official from the United Nations (UN) has once again barged into our legal and judicial processes."

"Without the benefit of factual information, Mr. ( David) Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, has called on the government to drop the tax evasion charges against Rappler and its head, Maria Ressa, contending falsely that the same constitutes censorship," said Panelo.

"The fact that Rappler and its reporters continue to publish articles of dissent against this Administration is an eloquent testimonial. The fact that detractors and critics of the President continue to air their protests in various media platforms against our policies is another irrefutable proof. Should there be cases of censorship, people are always free to seek redress from the courts. We note that there are no reports of such cases, " said Panelo.

Panelo said the Palace expects "the UN representative to be more circumspect instead of politicizing a crime and ignoring its gravity and assaulting the sovereignty of our country." DMS