De Lima, Paolo Duterte clash over libel complaints vs media
Representative Leila de Lima has criticized Paolo Duterte for filing libel complaints against GMA Network, arguing that such legal actions threaten press freedom and intimidate journalists. Duterte defended his actions, stating that seeking legal redress is a fundamental right and not an attack on the media.
Why it matters
The clash highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and the media in the Philippines regarding accountability and the limits of legal action against journalists.
MANILA, Philippines - Rep. Leila de Lima (ML Party-list) said Rep. Paolo Duterte's libel and cyber libel complaints against GMA Network send a "chilling" message to journalists.
De Lima criticized Duterte's complaints in a social media post Friday, October 23, saying journalists should not face punishment for reporting allegations of corruption.
"Filing a libel case against a media network and its journalists for doing their job of reporting allegations of corruption sends a chilling message to other media practitioners," De Lima said.
She said attacks against GMA Network and other media outlets following the filing could also be read as a warning to journalists that they "could be the next to be sued."
"This is clearly an attempt to silence journalists and truth-seekers, depriving them of their freedom of the press," De Lima said.
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