Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the acquittal of tax evasion charges against Nobel laureate Maria Ressa

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the decision of the Court of Tax Appeal’s (CTA) to acquit Nobel laureate and journalist Maria Ressa and Rappler Holding Corporation (RHC) of four tax evasion charges. The case, filed by Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2018 under the previous administration, accused Ressa and RHC of failing to […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the court’s guilty verdict on the cyber libel case against Maria Ressa

A free press and the people’s right to expression, especially on matters of public interest, are crucial foundations of a democratic society. They allow us to demand for transparency and accountability. These freedoms allow greater, genuine participation in governance and other aspects of public life. It is with serious concern that the Commission on Human […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the arrest of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa

The Commission on Human Rights agrees that, in all cases, the rule of law must prevail. It is these same laws that ensure that each and every right is upheld and protected. As there are questions on the arrest of Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa, we urge the government to ensure Constitutional guarantees, including […]