The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday, Oct. 11, congratulated journalist Maria Ressa for winning the Nobel Peace Prize award.

CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles highlighted the importance of journalists in the current political landscape where "disinformation and fake news" continue to spread.
"Today, all over the world, this journalistic work has become more and more difficult because of the level of disinformation and fake news that continue to spread through the means of social communication. The vocation and mission, theefore, of the members of the Press is to contribute not only for the search for truth, but more importantly, to help build a culture of dialogue," Valles said.
"We are grateful that Ms. Ressa, together with many of the distinguished and dedicated members of the fourth estate, have discerned the signs of the times and have valiantly responded and continue to respond to this particular invitation," the archbishop added.
Valles hopes the recognition strengthens the peoples' conviction to "build a nation where journalism is free, at the service of truth, goodness, and justice."
Ressa is the first Filipino recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.