The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) and the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) have express concern over the filing of charges against Bacolod journalist Marchel Espina, former editor-in-chief of SunStar Cebu.
A local religious leader filed a case of unjust vexation against Espina and four others over an opinion piece published by SunStar Cebu in December 2024, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Espina, who did not write the opinion piece, voluntarily surrendered at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Negros Island Region office in Bacolod City and was released after posting a P6,000 bail.
PTFOMS, in its statement on Saturday, July 18, said it stands with Espina and the four other individuals who were charged, as well as with other media organizations, press associations, independent journalists, news outlets, and other members of the press who expressed concern over this incident.
“While it is within a person’s right to pursue legal remedies, laws must never be weaponized to suppress journalists from performing their professional duties as truth-tellers and reporting on matters of public concern,” it said.
The exercise of legal rights must be balanced with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, PTFOMS said.
“No journalist should be subjected to actions that threaten their independence and safety,” it added.
PTFOMS will monitor developments in this case and ensure that any action affecting members of the media is addressed with respect for press freedom and the rule of law.
“We reiterate our commitment to safeguard the security of journalists against acts of intimidation or legal challenges. This underscores the urgent need for better protection of journalists in a democratic society,” PTFOMS said.
FOCAPexpressed grave concern over the unjust vexation charges against Espina and four others.
“While it is the right of every citizen to seek legal redress, the law must never be weaponized to intimidate journalists or stifle free speech. Opinion pieces that are grounded on facts have long been a pillar of journalism and democratic discourse”, it added.*
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