Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawmakers vow to block Duterte family cyber libel cases against media
A Bicol party-list representative has warned that Congress will not tolerate harassment of journalists through cyber libel suits, drawing parallels to alleged media intimidation during the previous administration.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Lawmakers are signaling they will resist any attempts by the Duterte family to file cyber libel cases against members of the media, citing concerns about press freedom and past patterns of intimidation.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon made the assertion during a Monday interview at the House of Representatives, rejecting what he characterized as a recurring tactic used during the Duterte presidency to suppress critical journalism.
"If they were able to do it before, we will not allow it to happen again," Ridon said, underscoring legislative determination to protect press freedom. His remarks reflect growing concern among lawmakers about potential legal actions targeting journalists who have covered the Duterte family's affairs.
The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of the former president's family and administration, with several media outlets continuing investigative reporting on corruption and human rights allegations. Congressional leaders have increasingly positioned themselves as guardians of constitutional protections for the press.
The issue remains part of broader debates in the Philippines regarding the balance between defamation law and press freedom protections.