Libel is defined as “a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.”
The expected, but still disappointing, conviction of seasoned journalist and Rappler CEO (and Manila House Member) Maria Ressa has brought renewed scrutiny of the Philippines’ harsh libel laws. In most countries, libel is a civil matter, but here it is a criminal offense, and is open to abuse and misuse by the powerful as an instrument of intimidation and control.
Our main speaker is Atty. Geronimo Sy, a former Department of Justice Assistant Secretary and bar reviewer in criminal law. Former Justice of the Supreme Court Antonio T. Carpio and award-winning journalist, and co-founder of news magazine Newsbreak, and now Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug serve as panelists.
Moderated by Bambina Olivares
Presented in partnership with Akademyang Filipino