The dropping of charges against Ressa and Rappler, the news website she founded, is the latest legal victory for the Nobel laureate
The fifth was heard by a different court, which cleared her and Rappler of wrongdoing on Tuesday.
Despite the acquittals, Ressa and Rappler face an uncertain future as they battle another two court cases. Ressa and a former colleague Rey Santos Jr are appealing against a cyber libel conviction that carries a nearly seven-year jail sentence. Rappler, meanwhile, is challenging a Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission order to close for allegedly violating a ban on foreign ownership in media. Under the constitution, investment in the media is reserved for Philippine citizens or entities controlled by citizens.
The case springs from a 2015 investment by the US-based Omidyar Network, established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. Omidyar Network later transferred its Rappler investment to the site’s local managers to stave off efforts by Duterte to shut it down. Despite the remaining hurdles, Ressa was characteristically defiant and optimistic on Tuesday, telling reporters the latest acquittal “strengthens our resolve to continue with the justice system”.Ressa and Rappler’s legal troubles began in 2016 with the election of Duterte, who frequently launched foul-mouthed attacks against his critics. Duterte’s government claimed it had nothing to do with any of the cases against Ressa.she said were fabricated to silence her.