Sa kaso ni Maria Ressa… Press freedom is a fundamental freedom that should be defended — Jiggy Manicad

MATAPOS makapag­piyansa ni Rappler CEO Maria Ressa sa kasong cyber libel kahapon, Huwe­bes, nanawagan ang batikang broadcast journalist na si Jiggy Manicad sa korte, sa National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at sa pulisya na bigyan ng makatarungang pagtrato ang kaso ni Ressa.

“It is only right and just that Maria Ressa be treated as fairly as possible by the courts, the NBI and the PNP,” sinabi ni Manicad, ngayo’y kumakandidato para sa Senado sa darating na halalan, noong Huwebes.

“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,” aniya.

Isang gabing nasa detention center ng NBI si Ressa nang hindi paya­gang makapag­piyansa ng isang huwes sa Pasay noong Miyerkoles. Ang kanyang arrest warrant para sa kasong cyber libel ay isinumite lampas sa office hours sa parehong araw.

“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,” paliwanag ni Manicad.

“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,” dagdag niya.

“Maybe the Department of Justice, NBI, and the court system should review their policies in applying equal justice to all.”

Inilinaw din ni Mani­cad ang kanyang pani­nindigan ukol sa press freedom. Aniya, “Press freedom is a fundamental freedom that should be defended. There are no questions about it.”

Ayon sa beteranong mamamahayag, “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.”

Kamakailan lang ay nanawagan din si Manicad sa pulisya at sa lokal na pamahalaan na maging mapagbantay ngayong panahon ng kampanya sapagkat ilan nang miyembro ng media ang sinaktan at pinatay habang nasa 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,” babala ni Manicad sa isa pang panayam.

(JAJA GARCIA)