FOLLOWING Rappler CEO Maria Ressa’s release after posting bail on Thursday, February 14, veteran broadcast journalist and senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad called for fairness from the courts, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as Ressa’s case proceeds.
“It is only right and just that Maria Ressa be treated as fairly as possible by the courts, the NBI and the PNP,” Manicad said.
“In the first place, dapat hindi pinatagal ang bail niya. She should have been granted bail by the court last night. That’s her right,” he added, referring to Ressa’s having to spend Wednesday night in detention at the NBI since a night court judge in Pasay refused to process her posting of bail.
The arrest warrant over one count of cyber libel was served past office hours on Wednesday, February 13.
“While we should vow to the majesty of the law, there should also be fairness in the application of the law to everyone -- media persons or non-media persons. Everyone should be given equal chance to avail of legal remedies provided by the law,” Manicad said.
“In the case of Ms. Ressa, I join her in questioning why the warrant was served after office hours and why the judge presiding over the night court refused to take her bail,” he added.
“Maybe the Department of Justice, NBI, and the court system should review their policies in applying equal justice to all,” he said.
Manicad also clarified his stance on press freedom, saying, “Press freedom is a fundamental freedom that should be defended. There are no questions about it.”
“On our side, reporters should also be impartial, objective, truthful, and honest, and our reporting must be done with integrity. Without compliance on those requirements, we are open to attacks,” he added.
The broadcast journalist has also called for the police and local government units to be vigilant during the official campaign period, citing media persons are vulnerable to violent attacks and killings during election coverage.
“We are not only looking at politicians but also businesses and other groups who will stop at nothing to protect their reputation or interests this elections,” Manicad said in an earlier interview. (PR)