Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Dec. 13, backed Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) anchors Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz for standing up for what’s right, insisting that they fought for freedom of speech and expression.
(From left) Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz and Lorraine Badoy (Facebook)
In a statement, the official thanked those who continue to support Badoy and Celiz.
“Kahanga-hanga ang tapang at tatag na ipinamalas nina Dr. Badoy at Ka Eric para ipaglaban ang ating karapatan at itaguyod ang ating Saligang Batas (The bravery and toughness of Dr. Badoy and Ka Celiz to fight for our rights and uphold our Constitution is admirable),” she said.
“Simbolo sila ng isang bayan na naninindigan ng tama at naninindigan para sa tama (They are a symbol of a nation standing up for what’s right),” Duterte added.
The SMNI anchors were cited in contempt by the House of Representatives on Dec. 5 after Celiz refused to reveal his source in the Senate in relation to his claim on live television program that House Speaker Martin Romualdez spent over P1.8-billion in travel this year.
He cited Republic Act No. 11458 or the Sotto law, which allows journalists to protect their source.
Celiz then later revealed his source to Committee on Legislative Franchises chairperson Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting prior to their release from detention on Tuesday, Dec. 12, due to humanitarian reasons.
Badoy, in the same House probe on Dec. 5, was also cited in contempt after she gave lawmakers confusing answers during interpellation.
Duterte hailed both Badoy and Celiz for their roles during the previous Duterte administration’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), to which she is now a co-vice chair.
She thanked the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni, other members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the media, social media practitioners, professionals, IP leaders, and other sectors for being instrumental in releasing Badoy and Celiz from detention.