VERA FILES FACT SHEET: ‘Supercharged’ na mga mamamahayag na Filipino

Sinabi kamakailan ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos na ang kanyang pamahalaan ay “mananatiling nakatuon sa pagtiyak ng transparency at mabuting pamamahala, kalayaan sa pagpapahayag at ng pamamahayag, at proteksyon ng mga media practitioner at kanilang mga karapatan sa pagsasagawa ng kanilang propesyon.”

Sa pagsasalita sa ika-50 anibersaryo ng Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas noong Abril 27, binanggit ni Marcos na ika-147 ang Pilipinas sa World Press Freedom Index noong 2022. Nangako siyang “pagbubutihin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan” ng media.

Sinabi ng Reporters Without Borders, isang international non-profit organization na nakabase sa France, na ang media sa Pilipinas ay “napakasigla sa kabila ng mga target na pag-atake at patuloy na panliligalig ng gobyerno, mula noong 2016, sa mga mamamahayag at media outlet na masyadong kritikal.”

Sa paggunita ngayong taon ng World Press Freedom Day, pinagsama-sama ng VERA Files Fact Check ang mga kaso na inihain laban sa mahigit 90 mamamahayag na Pilipino mula 2007 hanggang 2022. Sa 45 na kaso, 32 ang isinampa ng mga dati at kasalukuyang opisyal ng gobyerno. Tatlumpu’t apat (humigit-kumulang 75%) ang mga reklamong may kinalaman sa cyber libel na mapaparusahan sa ilalim ng Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, at ang 10 ay libel sa ilalim ng Revised Penal Code.

Tingnan ang table na ito:

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Mga Pinagmulan

RTVMalacañang, 50th Anniversary of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, April 27, 2023

Reporters Without Borders, Philippines | RSF, accessed May 3, 2023

Leo Lastimosa

GMA News Online, SC acquits Cebu broadcaster of libel filed by Governor Garcia, April 6, 2023
SunStar, SC acquits Leo Lastimosa of libel rap filed by Garcia, April 8, 2023
The Freeman, SC acquits Lastimosa in libel case filed by Gov. Garcia, April 9, 2023

Sherwin De Vera

Inquirer.net, Environmental activist arrested for rebellion, Dec. 12, 2017
Northern Dispatch, Statements: Free Sherwin De Vera now!, Dec. 13, 2017
Philstar.com, Group decries arrest of environmental advocate for ‘rebellion’, Dec. 13, 2017
Bulatlat, Court junks rebellion raps against community journalist, Oct. 3, 2020

Gemi Formaran, Johnny Glorioso, and Rico Catampungan

Interaksyon, The media and the Duterte presidency: Impunity acute and benign, fettered flow of information, Nov. 23, 2017
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Three block-time broadcasters arrested for libel in Quezon, Feb. 6, 2018
Rappler, Quezon radio journalists arrested over libel charges filed by politicians – NUJP, Feb. 7, 2018
Pilipino Star Ngayon, National Press Freedom Day, Feb. 12, 2018

Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr.

VERA Files, Court clears Rappler but convicts Ressa, ex-researcher of cyber libel, June 15, 2020
Rappler, Maria Ressa, Rey Santos Jr convicted of cyber libel, June 15, 2020
Rappler, Court of Appeals denies Maria Ressa’s appeal in cyber libel case, Oct. 11, 2022
Inquirer.net, CA denies Maria Ressa’s motion for reconsideration in cyber libel case, Oct. 11, 2022
Inquirer.net, Maria Ressa to elevate cyber libel case to Supreme Court, Oct. 11, 2022

Franklin “Frank” Cimatu

CNN Philippines, Journalist Frank Cimatu convicted of cyber libel over ex-DA chief post, Dec. 13, 2022
ABS-CBN News, Baguio journalist Cimatu says to appeal cyber libel conviction, Dec. 14, 2022
Rappler, After cyber libel conviction, Frank Cimatu finds support from press, watchdogs, Dec. 13, 2022
Manny Piñol, It’s Wednesday and it is done!, Sept. 27, 2017
Jairo Bolledo, The QC RTC Branch 93 sets the jail time to six months…, Dec. 13, 2022

Eric Rodinas and Larry Baja Subillaga Jr.

Inquirer.net, 2 North Cotabato broadcasters found ‘guilty’ of online libel, March 23, 2019
Dxnd Radyo Bida 747 Kidapawan City, 2 broadkaster sa Kidapawan City, guilty sa online libel, March 23, 2019
The Philippine Star, 2 radio blocktimers get 8 years for cyberlibel, March 25, 2019
Center for Media Freedom, 2 Broadcasters Convicted of Online Libel in Cotabato, March 26, 2019

Eleno “Jun” Gellica Bacus, Jr

Manila Bulletin, Radioman arrested for 4 counts of cyberlibel, Feb. 17, 2022
Gold Star Daily, Broadcaster jailed for cyber libel raps, Feb. 17, 2022

Siegfred “Jigs” Padua

SunStar, Ex-radioman arrested anew for cyber libel, March 19, 2019
Bombo Radyo, Media practitioner na nahaharap sa kasong cyber libel at extortion, hinuli sa Cdeo, Sept. 5, 2019

Pablito “Bobby Nalzaro” Galeza Nalzaro

Philippine News Agency, Cebuano journo faces arrest for 4 counts of libel, Sept. 14, 2019
The Freeman, Court junks cyber libel vs Nalzaro, Dec. 11, 2019
The Freeman, Nalzaro indicted for cyberlibel, Sept. 26, 2020
SunStar, Tri-media personality Bobby Nalzaro dies, March 17, 2022

Paul Farol

SunStar, Ormoc City mayor slaps journo with P10-M libel case, Jan. 30, 2019

Manila Bulletin News, JUST IN: Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez…, Jan. 30, 2019
SunStar, Judicial Affidavit Complaint Vs Paul Farol

Manuel Morato, Joel Amongo…

Inquirer.net, Belmonte raps ex-PCSO exec, tabloid with libel for ‘factually incorrect’ article, Feb. 18, 2019
Manila Bulletin, QC vice mayor files libel charges against Morato, Feb. 19, 2019
The Philippine Star, Belmonte files libel case vs Morato, tabloid execs, Deb. 19, 2019
ABS-CBN News, Former MTRCB head Manoling Morato dies at 87, July 30, 2021

Mon Tulfo, Dante Ang II…

Inquirer.net, Medialdea files 4 more counts of libel vs Ramon Tulfo, Aug. 6, 2019
Philstar.com, Medialdea files another libel rap vs envoy, columnist Ramon Tulfo, Aug. 6, 2019
Rappler, Medialdea files new libel, cyberlibel complaint vs Ramon Tulfo, Aug. 6, 2019

Kimberlie Quitasol and Khim Abalos

Northern Dispatch, Libel charges filed against Nordis staff by Cordillera police chief, Oct. 5, 2020
Northern Dispatch, Libel case trial against community journalists starts, Oct. 25, 2020
Rappler, Court dismisses cyber libel charges against Nordis editor, reporter, May 16, 2022
Altermidya, Court junks cyber libel charges against news site Northern Dispatch, May 16, 2022
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Benguet court junks cyberlibel rap vs 2 community journalists, May 17, 2022

Gie Herrera

Radyo Natin Guimba, PAHAYAG NG RADYO NATIN GUIMBA HINGGIL SA…, May 20, 2020
Rappler, Nueva Ecija town set to file complaint against local radio station, May 22, 2020
Philstar.com, Nueva Ecija radio station slams raps filed by local government officials, Aug. 20, 2020
Bulatlat, Nueva Ecija radio station denounces continuous harassment by local government, Aug. 20, 2020
Bulatlat, Case vs. Nueva Ecija radio station dismissed for lack of evidence, Feb. 15, 2021
Radyo Natin Guimba, Cyberlibel na ikinaso ng Municipal Mayor…, Feb. 17, 2023

Brent Martinez and Ghumie Pinkihan

Guru Press, Mayor Estrañero charges Guru Press editors with cyber libel again, Nov. 25, 2020
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, [Alert] Kalinga journalists post bail for cyber libel case, Aug. 28, 2021
Northern Dispatch, Community journalists post bail for cyberlibel in Kalinga, Aug. 30, 2021
Guru Press, Guru Press editors pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ on cyber libel case filed by Tabuk City Mayor Estrañero, Oct. 22, 2021

Gie Herrera and Lina Villaflor

Radyo Natin Guimba, Isinampang kaso ng Punong barangay sa Radyo Natin Guimba…, Feb. 12, 2021
Altermidya, Case vs Nueva Ecija radio station dismissed, Feb. 13, 2021
Bulatlat, Case vs. Nueva Ecija radio station dismissed for lack of evidence, Feb. 15, 2021

Mario Batuigas and Amor Virata

Reporters Without Borders, Two Philippine journalists face two months in prison for coronavirus reporting, Feb. 4, 2020
Rappler, RSF urges PH to drop complaint vs 2 journalists reporting on coronavirus, April 3, 2020

Committee to Protect Journalists, Two reporters charged for spreading ‘false information’ about COVID-19 in the Philippines, April 3, 2020
CNN Philippines, Cavite town mayor faces criminal charges for fake reports on COVID-19 case, March 28, 2020
Rappler, PNP files complaint vs Cavite town mayor for ‘causing coronavirus scare’, March 28, 2020
Philippine News Agency, Cavite town mayor, 2 others face raps over Covid-19 fake news, March 28, 020
PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, PNP FILES RAPS VS MAYOR, OTHERS…, March 29, 2020
Radyo Inquirer, Kawalang aksyon ng City Prosecutor’s Office sa Noveleta, Cavite…, Sept. 27, 2021

Virgilio Avila Jr., Mia Concordia…

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Avila, who works for radio stations dzAU AM Radio…, July 5, 2020
Inquirer.net, 2 Camarines Norte journos jailed for six hours over cyber libel case — NUJP, Nov. 11, 2020
Philstar.com, Cam Norte journalists post bail in cases over criticism of pandemic response, Nov. 11, 2020

Rommel Ibasco Fenix, Virgilio Avila Jr….

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Rommel Ibasco Fenix, production manager at dzAU-AM…, Sept. 15, 2020
Center for Media Freedom, Broadcaster arrested while hosting program in Camarines Norte, Sept. 18, 2020
Philstar.com, Cam Norte journalists post bail in cases over criticism of pandemic response, Nov. 11, 2020

Joanna Rose Aglibot

Inquirer Northern Luzon, Zambales prosecutor junks cyber libel complaint vs Inquirer correspondent, Sept. 2, 2020

Junior “Jundigz” Digamon

Davao Today, JUST IN: Radio Broadcaster Jun Digamon of Brigada News FM…, Nov. 3, 2020
SunStar, Radio commentator nabbed for libel, posts P10,000 bail, Nov. 13, 2020
Philstar.com, Davao broadcaster arrested over cyber libel charge, Nov. 14, 2020

Edito Mapayo and Leonardo Hijara

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Masked Media: Remembrance, resistance and some relief
Philstar.com, Davao broadcaster arrested over cyber libel charge, Nov. 14, 2020
UPLB Perspective, Media hit by one week of red-tagging, arrests, killings, Nov. 18, 2020

Jimmy Bañares

DailyGuardian, Boracay-based radio blocktimer convicted for libel, April 14, 2023
Inquirer Visayas, Aklan radio blocktimer found guilty of libel, April 24, 2023

Jojo Perez

Pilipino Star Ngayon, Cyber libel vs local radio station manager ibinasura, July 24, 2021
Pilipino Star Ngayon, Civil case laban sa local radio station manager, ibinasura, July 8, 2022

Lady Ann Salem

Inquirer.net, Journo Lady Ann Salem from red-tagged site arrested on Human Rights Day, Dec. 10, 2020
CNN Philippines, Mandaluyong court junks case vs. Lady Ann Salem, union organizer, Feb. 5, 2021
Rappler, Journalist Lady Ann Salem, trade unionist released from jail, March 5, 2021

Carlo Katigbak, Lynda Jumilla…

Inquirer.net, Cusi, Uy sue newsmen over Malampaya reports, Dec. 4, 2021
Rappler, Cusi sues Rappler, 6 other news orgs for libel over Malampaya-Dennis Uy reports, Dec. 3, 2021
Department of Energy, DOE Sec. Cusi Withdraws Libel, Cyberlibel Cases Vs. 7 News Orgs, June 24, 2022
CNN Philippines, Cusi drops libel case vs. news orgs, journalists, June 24, 2022
Inquirer.net, Cusi withdraws libel raps vs reporters, media outfits, June 24, 2022
PhilStar.com, Dennis Uy cyber libel complaint vs Philstar.com junked, June 24, 2022
GMA News Online, Davao City prosecutor junks Dennis Uy’s online libel case vs GMA News Online, July 18, 2022
ABS-CBN News Online, Dennis Uy cyberlibel complaint vs ABS-CBN junked, June 28, 2022

Waldy Carbonell

Inquirer.net, Broadcaster Waldy Carbonnel arrested in Pasay City for cyber libel, Aug. 28, 2022
Philippine News Agency, Journalist with 6 cyber libel cases nabbed in Pasay, Aug. 28, 2022
Manila Bulletin, PNP arrests radio broadcaster for cyberlibel raps vs ex-Ilocos Norte mayor, Aug. 29, 2022
Waldy Carbonell, Official YouTube Channel

Maria Ressa and Rambo Talabong

Rappler, Manila court drops cyber libel case vs Maria Ressa, Rambo Talabong, Aug. 12, 2021
GMA News Online, Manila court dismisses cyber libel case vs Maria Ressa, reporter, Aug. 12, 2021
Manila Bulletin, Manila court junks another cyber libel case vs Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, reporter, Aug. 14, 2021

Mon Tulfo

CNN Philippines, Broadcaster Mon Tulfo arrested, May 18, 2022
PressOne, Ramon Tulfo arrested for cyber libel, May 18, 2022
PhilStar.com, Mon Tulfo arrested for cyber libel, May 19, 2022

Ben Tulfo

Inquirer.net, Broadcaster Ben Tulfo indicted for 3 counts of cyber libel, July 6, 2022

Rosalio ‘Tommy’ Abile

Bandera News TV Philippines, BRODKASTER SA PALAWAN,…, Sept. 28, 2022
Palawan News, Broadcaster faces cyberlibel raps for commentary on family dispute, Sept. 29, 2022

Carlo Asturias

Bombo Radyo News, Brodkaster sa Aklan, inaresto sa cyber libel, Feb. 14, 2022
Radyo Todo, DATING BROADCASTER NA SI CARLO ASTURIAS, INARESTO SA KASONG LIBEL, Feb. 13, 2022
Bombo Radyo Kalibo, Dating broadcaster nga si Carlo Asturias, nakataeanang magabayad makarun nga adlaw it P10K nga piyansa bangud sa ginapangatubang nga kasong Cyber Libel, Feb. 14, 2022

Ramil Bangues

Inquirer.net, Butuan radio journalist nabbed for cyberlibel, Aug. 18, 2020
RMN Philippines, Libel case laban kay RMN-DXBC Butuan Station Manager Radyoman Ramil Bangues, isang media harassment, Aug. 19, 2020
Bombo Radyo Butuan, Pag-aresto gikonsiderang harassment ni Ramil Bangues, Aug. 18, 2020

Eleno “Jun” Gelica Bacus…

Mindanao Gold Star Daily, 3 radiomen in Iligan arrested for cyber libel, July 28, 2022

Edgardo “Gary” Libunao

Inquirer.net, Cagayan radioman nabbed for libel, July 16, 2022
98.5 i-FM Cauayan, BROADCASTER SA CAGAYAN, DINAKIP NG MGA…, July 17, 2022

Arnold Bustamante

Philippine News Agency, Cebu City broadcaster nabbed for labeling product ‘fake, harmful’, Sept. 25, 2022
SunStar Cebu, Cebu City broadcaster faces cyberlibel, Sept. 25, 2022
SunStar Cebu, Media’s Public: DYHP’s Arnold Bustamante was ‘ordered’ by an advertiser to warn buyers about a retailer selling ‘fake’ herbal products. He did so, was charged, then arrested for cyber-libel. Side issues: whether police treated him like common criminal and he crossed the line as endorser, Sept. 29, 2022
SunStar Cebu, EXPLAINER: Ruckus over arrest of DYHP’s Arnold Bustamante: Cybercrime Group tagged him a ‘wanted person’ (he wasn’t, under PNP rules) and claimed a ‘Tracker Team’ was needed to catch him (probably not). Central issue remains: Did he utter libelous words in his radio program?, Sept. 30, 2022
Abante, Brodkaster sa Cebu, swak sa cyber libel, Sept. 25, 2022

Lee Ann Ducusin…

GMA News Online, Robredo spox Barry Gutierrez files cyberlibel complaint vs. news site, May 6, 2022
Manila Bulletin, Robredo spokesperson files cyber libel case vs tabloid, May 6, 2022
Rappler, Robredo’s spokesman sues Journal News Online writer, publisher for cyber libel, May 6, 2022

Abner Francisco

Rappler, Prosecutors trash P100-M cyber libel suit vs General Santos radio station, July 10, 2022
Rappler, General Santos prosecutors reject plea to reverse cyber libel case dismissal vs commentators, July 29, 2022
Mindanews, GenSan prosecutors junk ex-solon’s P100-M libel case vs broadcasters, July 10, 2022

Orly Navarro

The Manila Times, 3 radiomen face libel charges, March 25, 2022
Dagupan Sunday Punch, 3 broadcasters, ex-mayor charged for libel, cyber libel, March 27, 2022

Joel Balolong, Tito Tamayo and Dennis Mojares

Dagupan Sunday Punch, Three broadcast journalists face libel suit, March 13, 2022
The Manila Times, 3 broadcasters face libel charges, March 11, 2022

Hermogenes “Jun” Alegre

Bombo Radyo News, Rep. Garbin sinampahan ng kasong cyber libel ang station manager ng local radio station sa Legazpi City, Jan. 26, 2022
Inquirer.net, NTC shuts down Albay radio station, Nov. 10, 2021
Philippine News Agency Legazpi journo cries politics in radio station’s closure, Nov. 9, 2021

Salvador “Jun” Capulot Jr.

PhilStar.com, Iloilo mayoral bet arrested for cyber libel, Feb. 19, 2022
Manila Bulletin, Iloilo City mayoralty candidate arrested for cyber libel, Feb. 18, 2022
The Daily Guardian, Iloilo City mayoralty bet nabbed for online libel raps, Feb. 19, 2022

MacArthur Amora

National Union of Journalists in the Philippines

Frenchie Mae Cumpio

CNN Philippines, Five members of alleged left-leaning groups arrested in Tacloban, Feb. 7, 2020
PhilStar.com, NUJP calls for release of Tacloban community journalist, rights workers as trial starts, June 25, 2020
Inquirer.net, Journalist, 4 rights activists arrested in Tacloban raids, Feb. 8, 2020
PhilStar.com, Groups renew call for Tacloban journalist’s release as terrorist financing trial begins, Jan. 23, 2023
Rappler, Tacloban journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio still hopeful a year after arrest, Feb. 9, 2021
Altermidya, Motion to declare Frenchie Mae’s warrant void denied by court, June 23, 2020

Margarita Valle

Rappler, Davao Today columnist Margarita Valle arrested at Laguindingan Airport, June 9, 2019
PhilStar.com, Davao journalist ‘mistakenly’ arrested in 2019 vows to take legal fight to Supreme Court, Aug. 12, 2021
Inquirer.net, Journalist arrested by mistake filing charges vs police, June 13, 2019
Rappler, PNP: Arrest of columnist Margarita Valle a case of mistaken identity, June 9, 2019
Altermidya, Ombudsman dismisses case of wrongful arrest of journalist Margarita Valle, Oct. 30, 2020
Manila Today, Journalist Margarita Valle appeals dismissal of charges on her unlawful arrest at the Supreme Court, Oct. 1, 2021
Bulatlat.com, Veteran journo urges SC to reverse Ombudsman decision acquitting her captors, Oct. 1, 2021

(Ginagabayan ng code of principles ng International Fact-Checking Network sa Poynter, ang VERA Files ay sumusubaybay sa mga maling pahayag, flip-flops, nakaliligaw na mga pahayag ng mga pampublikong opisyal at kilalang personalidad, at pinasisinungalingan ang mga ito gamit ang tunay na ebidensya. Alamin ang inisyatibong ito at aming pamamaraan.)