The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) has expressed grave concern over the unjust vexation charges filed against Bacolod journalist Marchel Espina and four others, warning against using legal action to intimidate journalists or suppress free speech.—CARLA P. GOMEZ
BACOLOD CITY — The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) has expressed grave concern over the unjust vexation charges filed against Bacolod journalist Marchel Espina and four others, warning against using legal action to intimidate journalists or suppress free speech.
“While it is the right of every citizen to seek legal redress, the law must never be weaponized to intimidate journalists or stifle free speech. Opinion pieces that are grounded on facts have long been a pillar of journalism and democratic discourse,” FOCAP said in a statement issued on Saturday, July 18.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) also voiced concern over the case and expressed support for Espina, a former editor-in-chief of SunStar Cebu, the four other individuals charged, and members of the media who have raised concerns over the incident.
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