By Ria Fernandez
Journalist Maria Ressa was freed on bail on Thursday following an arrest that sparked international censure and allegations she is being targeted over her news site's criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine journalist Maria Ressa managed to speak to reporters at the National Bureau of Investigation after her arrest in Manila (AFP / TED ALJIBE / MANILA BULLETIN)
Rappler CEO Maria Ressa was released from detention at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters Thursday after posting bail for her cyber libel case before a Manila court.
Ressa arrived at the Manila Regional Trial Court branch 46 at around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 14 and posted bail of P100, 000. She was accompanied by her lawyer JJ Disini.
She was release before noon of Thursday.
Ressa had attempted to post bail at a Pasay night court but to no avail. This led her to spend Wednesday night at the NBI headquarters following her arrest at the Rappler office in Pasig City past 5 p.m.
The case stemmed from the complaint of businessman Wilfredo Keng regarding the May 29, 2012 online article written by former Reynaldo Santos Jr. titled “CJ Using SUVs of Controversial Businessman.”
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo Panelo dispelled speculations that the Palace was behind the arrest against Ressa, insisting they do not meddle in the affairs of the judiciary.
"The warrant of arrest from Branch 46 of the Manila Regional Trial Court was issued against Maria Ressa based on a finding of probable cause," Panelo said.
"We are a country of laws and every citizen must adhere to the rule of law. No one is above the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo condemned the arrest of the Rappler chief executive officer as a "big blow" to press freedom.
Robredo, the leader of the opposition, called the arrest warrant issued against Ressa "political harrassment" for her being critical of some government policies. (With reports from Genalyn Kabiling and Raymund Antonio).
Philippine journalist Maria Ressa managed to speak to reporters at the National Bureau of Investigation after her arrest in Manila (AFP / TED ALJIBE / MANILA BULLETIN)
Rappler CEO Maria Ressa was released from detention at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters Thursday after posting bail for her cyber libel case before a Manila court.
Ressa arrived at the Manila Regional Trial Court branch 46 at around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 14 and posted bail of P100, 000. She was accompanied by her lawyer JJ Disini.
She was release before noon of Thursday.
Ressa had attempted to post bail at a Pasay night court but to no avail. This led her to spend Wednesday night at the NBI headquarters following her arrest at the Rappler office in Pasig City past 5 p.m.
The case stemmed from the complaint of businessman Wilfredo Keng regarding the May 29, 2012 online article written by former Reynaldo Santos Jr. titled “CJ Using SUVs of Controversial Businessman.”
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo Panelo dispelled speculations that the Palace was behind the arrest against Ressa, insisting they do not meddle in the affairs of the judiciary.
"The warrant of arrest from Branch 46 of the Manila Regional Trial Court was issued against Maria Ressa based on a finding of probable cause," Panelo said.
"We are a country of laws and every citizen must adhere to the rule of law. No one is above the law,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo condemned the arrest of the Rappler chief executive officer as a "big blow" to press freedom.
Robredo, the leader of the opposition, called the arrest warrant issued against Ressa "political harrassment" for her being critical of some government policies. (With reports from Genalyn Kabiling and Raymund Antonio).