Maria Ressa arrested, posts bail anew

MANILA, Philippines — Online news website Rappler’s chief executive officer Maria Ressa was apprehended again yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) a day after a court issued a warrant for her arrest for alleged violation of the Anti-Dummy Law.

Ressa, 55, was nabbed by members of the Pasig police subpoena section upon her arrival at the NAIA Terminal 1 from the United States at around 6:30 a.m.

She was brought to the police headquarters where she was booked for supposed violation of the Anti-Dummy Law.

Ressa was released from police custody at around noon after she posted bail of P90,000 before Judge Asaray Pacheco of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 265.

The court issued a warrant for Ressa’s arrest over the complaint for violation of the Anti-Dummy Law filed by the National Bureau of Investigation in 2018 for allegedly issuing Philippine Depositary Receipts (PDRs) to foreign investor Omidyar Network.

The case stemmed from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s order revoking the license of Rappler on charges of violating the Constitution ban on foreign media ownership.

Also charged were Rappler’s officers and members of the board Manuel Ayala, Nico Jose Nolledo, Glenda Gloria, James Bitanga, Felicia Atienza and James Velasquez.

The complaint was signed by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Randy Esteban and approved by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Camilo Dumlao II.

Last February, Ressa was arrested and spent a night in jail on charges of cyber libel. She was freed on bail. 

Palace, PNP: Nothing irregular

Saying all are equal before the law, Malacañang asked Ressa to stop using press freedom as an excuse in attacking the administration.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said there was nothing irregular with Ressa’s arrest.

Panelo said Ressa should just focus on defending herself before the courts.

“A warrant of arrest issued if the judge determines a probable cause, which means due process has been observed. She should stop complaining that this is a violation of press freedom. It has nothing to do with the charges against her,” Panelo said.

 “All are equal before the law. She wants to be treated differently. That cannot be done,” he added.

Panelo debunked Ressa’s claim that her arrest was a violation of human rights.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said there was no bias in Ressa’s arrest. 

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said the police merely followed the court order.

“There is nothing irregular when policemen served a warrant for her arrest. Kung sinong may warrant sine-serve naman talaga kahit sino pa iyan,” Albayalade told reporters. 

He said police officers even assisted Ressa when she posted bail.

‘Defend press freedom’

Members of the opposition slammed the arrest of Ressa, saying the Duterte administration continues to prioritize persecution of its critics than solve problems besetting the country.

Vice President Leni Robredo called on the people to defend press freedom and to continue to stand for their principles.

Robredo posted yesterday the hashtags #DefendPressFreedom and #HoldTheLine on her Twitter account.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan called on members of the media to remain steadfast in reporting the truth amid the “efforts of the Duterte administration to suppress journalists and critics.”

Otso Diretso senatorial bet Chel Diokno said the administration is more focused on silencing its critics than solving the illegal drugs problem.

“I stand with Maria Ressa, who continues to speak truth to power. Those who try to break the law will have their day in court,” Diokno, a human rights lawyer, said.

Former solicitor general Florin Hilbay said the government is trying to divert the public’s attention from real issues such as the linking of President Duterte’s former economic adviser Michael Yang to the illegal drug trade.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal stressed the need to defend press freedom following the arrest of Ressa.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano called on the Filipino people to support the remaining bastions of democracy.

“Press freedom is not only for journalists but for the people who deserve the truth through critical and independent reporting. Let’s not succumb to the bullying of this administration and continue to show strength in criticizing its wrong governance,” Alejano said.

Rights advocates said the charges against Rappler and its officials should be dropped. – With Christina Mendez, Helen Flores, Paolo Romero, Rudy Santos, Romina Cabrera, Rhodina Villanueva