President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos recently said his government will “remain committed to ensuring transparency and good governance, freedom of expression and of the press, and the protection of media practitioners and their rights in the practice of their profession.”
Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas on April 27, Marcos noted that the Philippines ranked 147th in the World Press Freedom Index in 2022. He vowed to “improve the present condition” of the media.
Reporters Without Borders, a France-based international non-profit organization, wrote that the Philippine media are “extremely vibrant despite the government’s targeted attacks and constant harassment, since 2016, of journalists and media outlets that are too critical.”
On this year’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, VERA Files Fact Check compiled the lawsuits filed against more than 90 Filipino journalists from 2007 to 2022. Out of 45 cases, 32 were filed by past and incumbent government officials. Thirty-four (about 75%) are complaints involving cyber libel punishable under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and 10 are libel under the Revised Penal Code.
View this table:
Editor’s note: The table in this article was updated to correct the case details of Rosalio ‘Tommy’ Abile. The complaint against him was filed by the unnamed wife of retired commodore Nicanor Hernandez. Tehani Hernandez is his daughter, who was also sued.
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Sources
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
- PIMAI NEWS: Philippine Investigative Media Alliance Inc Facebook page, Nasa rehas na bakal na ngayon ang isang Broadcaster sa Palawan…, Sept. 28, 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
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
(Guided by the code of principles of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter, VERA Files tracks the false claims, flip-flops, misleading statements of public officials and figures, and debunks them with factual evidence. Find out more about this initiative and our methodology.)
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