RSF and the Hold the Line Coalition applaud Maria Ressa and Rappler’s acquittal, urge…

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Hold the Line Coalition are pleased with the recent decision of a Philippine court to acquit Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, along with other directors, in a case that was part of the legal persecution by the former administration of President Duterte against the media. They are now calling for Maria Ressa’s conviction in the remaining case to be overturned.

The ruling, made public on June 19, 2025, acquitted Maria Ressa and five other Rappler directors in a long-standing anti-dummy case filed in 2018 under President Duterte’s administration. The case alleged that Rappler had violated constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership of media. The court found the evidence presented by the prosecution “grossly insufficient” to establish any criminal liability. In 2024, the Philippine Court of Appeals had already overturned the Securities and Exchange Commission’s order to revoke Rappler’s license, confirming that the media outlet did not violate the constitutional ban on foreign ownership.

The Hold the Line Coalition expressed its satisfaction with the ruling, describing it as a victory for Rappler and press freedom in the Philippines. They are urging the Philippine justice system to overturn Maria Ressa’s conviction in the last pending case against her to bring an end to the prolonged legal harassment faced by her and her colleagues since 2017.

Rappler, Maria Ressa, and her colleagues have been targeted with a sustained campaign of legal persecution and online attacks since 2017. A total of 23 legal cases have been filed against them. Maria Ressa and former Rappler researcher Reynaldo Santos still face up to six years and nine months in prison following a criminal cyber libel conviction in 2020, which is currently under final appeal before the Philippine Supreme Court.

In a significant development, Rappler received a shutdown order in June 2022, supporting an earlier decision to revoke the outlet’s license to operate. This order was unprecedented for the issuing agency and the Philippine media landscape. Despite this setback, Rappler continued its operations due to the lengthy appeals process.

The Hold the Line Coalition, comprising over 80 organizations worldwide, is calling on states, international bodies, and civil society to defend press freedom in the Philippines and urging President Marcos to reaffirm the country’s commitment to a free press.

In conclusion, the recent acquittal of Maria Ressa and Rappler directors is a step forward in upholding press freedom in the Philippines. However, the remaining case against Maria Ressa must be resolved to put an end to the prolonged legal harassment and ensure a free and independent press in the country.