“The selection of Maria (Ressa as one of Time’s Person of the Year) is a recognition of the resistance and tenacity of the Philippine press in upholding truth and fighting for the freedom of the press and expression,” the National Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said in a statement on Wednesday. Reesa is an award-winning Philippine journalist who, along with the online news site Rappler, has been sued for tax evasion. ADVERTISEMENTThe online news site has been critical of the Duterte administration, and Ressa had claimed that the charges were politically motivated. The NUJP noted that journalists face challenges such as internet trolls’ attempt to disseminate false information. The organization stressed that the so-called media trolls could not stop press freedom; it would only strengthen public’s awareness on resisting false information.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 12, 2018 14:13 UTC