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| Filipino American journalist Maria Ressa was named one of Time Magazine''s Persons of the Year in 2018. |
ASAM NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE EDGE
A group of Filipino American journalists released a letter in opposition to the charges against Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos on Tuesday, according to Rappler. The letter is written to journalists in the Philippines with solidarity.
It was signed by 76 Filipino American journalists. Among the co-signers is Jose Antonio Vargas, Filipino American Pulitzer Prize winner.
Journalist and Rappler CEO Ressa and former Rappler researcher-writer Santos were convicted of cyber libel on June 15, according to PBS News Hour. Rappler is an independent news website that prides itself on investigating the Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte without fear. Many press freedom advocates feel the conviction of Ressa and Santos to crackdown on journalists that have been critical of him.
The letter explains why the charges against Ressa and should be dropped and "demand a reversal of the court's decision."
Referring to the U.S. Constitution and the 1987 constitution of the Philippines, they defend the civil right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
The letter, sent out to news media on Tuesday, June 23, conveyed "support of your work, courage, and dedication in your search for truth." In the letter, the journalists said they felt the conviction of Ressa and Santos "poses threats to freedom of the press and democracy. We believe that the charges should be dropped and demand a reversal of the court’s decision."
The letter goes on to say:
"We in the States have always taken pride in The First Amendment in the US Constitution that guarantees the freedom of the press. It has protected and enabled us to collect information and report the truth. In the Philippines, freedom of speech and freedom of the press are written into the 1987 constitution.
"Sadly, under the current administration, attacks on American journalists have put the U.S. on the list of the most dangerous places for journalists to work. Worldwide, according to Reporters Without Borders, at least 63 professional journalists were killed doing their jobs in 2018 – a 15% increase over the previous year. For years, the Philippines has ranked as one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work and, according to a 2018 report by the International Federation of Journalists, is the worst in terms of impunity."
"Sadly, under the current administration, attacks on American journalists have put the U.S. on the list of the most dangerous places for journalists to work. Worldwide, according to Reporters Without Borders, at least 63 professional journalists were killed doing their jobs in 2018 – a 15% increase over the previous year. For years, the Philippines has ranked as one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work and, according to a 2018 report by the International Federation of Journalists, is the worst in terms of impunity."
The Philippines currently ranks 136th out of 180 countries listed in the World Press Freedom Index, according to the level of freedom given to journalists.
"We believe that the work of the Philippine press is vitally important in preserving the right of citizens to know the truth, and is a bulwark against forces that threaten the common good."
"The role of the media, by holding the powerful accountable, threatens the motives of those who want to remain in power through any means," the letter continued.
At the end of the letter, Ressa is quoted:. "'It would be great if we didn't have to fight our own government'" and then write, "We Filipino American journalists stand with you."
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