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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Canada, Netherlands laud Ressa, Rappler's acquittal in tax case

Canada, Netherlands laud Ressa, Rappler's acquittal in tax case

Published Jan 19, 2023 02:29 pm

Canada and the Netherlands, two countries pushing for media freedom worldwide, heaved a sign of relief after the Philippine Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) acquitted embattled journalist Maria Ressa and her company, Rappler, of tax evasion charges.

In a statement, the two countries, which co-chair the Media Freedom Coalition in the Philippines, said the decision "marks an important and positive step towards upholding rule of law and media freedom."

They said any measure undermining the independence of the press "must be strictly scrutinized with the highest standard of law and human rights."

Both Canada and the Netherlands said they are "encouraged that this decision will help guide future implementation and regulation that impacts media freedom to effectively safeguard and protect it."

The statement was retweeted by the British Embassy in Manila through its Twitter account.

Ressa, a Nobel Peace laureate, and Rappler Holdings Corporation (RHC) have been acquitted of tax evasion charges by the CTA on the P162.5 million earned by her news outfit from the 2015 issuance of shares to two foreign entities.

In a decision, the CTA ruled that the accused were acquitted "for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt."

Related Tags

Rappler Maria Ressa canada The Netherlands tax evasion court of tax appeals media freedom coalition
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