By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Former senator Leila de Lima warned that the libel and cyberlibel complaint filed by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte against GMA Network executives and journalists could intimidate the press and discourage reporting on alleged corruption.
The complaint stemmed from allegations made by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who claimed to have delivered money to members of the Duterte family. Vice President Sara Duterte has denied the allegations.
De Lima said journalists should not face intimidation for reporting matters of public interest. She also cautioned that the case could embolden online trolls and raise fears among other media organizations.
Public officials should answer questions and address accusations directly, she said, rather than resort to legal action that could discourage scrutiny.
De Lima cited previous clashes between the Duterte administration and media organizations, including the closure of ABS-CBN during the pandemic and government actions involving Rappler, alongside attacks against the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The case has renewed concerns over press freedom and the tension between protecting reputations through legal remedies and ensuring journalists can report allegations without intimidation.
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