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The materials are part of reporting on a matter of public interest, specifically the handling of government scholarship funds and student benefits.
Ledesma was in Toboso to find out the situation of the locals who will be affected by the renewable energy projects.
“We give the highest honor to our colleague RJ, who until his last breath served marginalized communities by immersing and reporting on their stories."
“As the ‘tribune of the people,’ the OSG has a duty to ensure that sham and fabricated cases, like the cases against Frenchie and Marielle, should not be allowed to prosper.”
“[One rebel returnee’s] assertions as a ‘single cooperating insider’ must be received with extreme caution. Unless it is supported by independent and unbiased evidence, her narration of the events deserves scant consideration."
The cases faced by Baskog Radio anchors India and Jay Lavapiez prove that libel laws have been weaponized for intimidation and retaliation.
This triumph is a testament that winning is possible if people choose to fight.
“Uy-Perez’s blind faith in the testimonies of self-declared rebel surrenderers is unacceptable and unjust.”
"It is a blatant attack to silence voices that seek to inform, question, and hold power to account for their civic duties and responsibilities and uphold the public’s right to know."
“The team as well as the families of Frenchie and Maye are hoping that the decisions will be made as soon as possible.”
“There is no such thing as ‘apolitical’ reporting. It is always focused on the interest of the people.”
“While the security of personal information is important, the [Data Privacy Act] is also commonly used to deny media workers access to information essential to their work and for 'lawfare' suits to deter or punish coverage.”
"Cumpio and Domequil deserve to be free to fight for justice.”
NUJP said that this move by Kaufman dishonors the victims and demeans the work of journalists who took the risk to cover dangerous assignments.
He was not able to file his counter-affidavit prior to both arrests because he was not informed about the cases filed.
A support group for political prisoners criticized the court’s basis of denying the motion, particularly the so-called “potential” assistance to terrorist organizations.
“Awarding her with the 2026 UNESCO’s Cano Prize would be a clarion call for the Philippines and other countries to cease the rampant criminalization and undue imprisonment of journalists."
The case sets a dangerous legal precedent. It signals that reporting on militarization, development projects, or marginalized communities can be recast as terrorism.
Frenchie Mae Cumpio’s continued detention is not only an injustice against one journalist. It is an assault on press freedom, community journalism, and the public’s right to know. When journalism is criminalized, entire communities are silenced –and democracy is further diminished.
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) issued public statements on January 26 rejecting the conviction and urging its reversal.
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