Press freedom on downslide under Duterte, says Morales

Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Press freedom in the Philippines has been on a “downslide” since President Duterte was sworn into office two years ago, former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said on Friday.

Morales made the remarks barely a day after relinquishing her office, courting an equally caustic retort from Mr. Duterte, who had crossed swords with her after she spoke against his administration’s bloody war on drugs.

The President had also threatened to help impeach her as he accused Morales of being part of a “conspiracy” to unseat him.

Fielding questions from members of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of the Philippines, Morales said she was looking forward to a much-deserved vacation after ending her decades-long career in government with a seven-year stint as the country’s top graft buster.

But the retired Supreme Court associate justice made sure she would not be leaving public service without a bang.

Asked about her views on the situation of the media under the Duterte administration, Morales replied: “If you look at the way Rappler was treated, then press freedom seems to be on a downslide.”

She also made known that she was not afraid of facing criminal charges after her return to private life.

“That’s not surprising if they do. But as I have said, I’m ready,” she said. —MARLON RAMOS