Let libel remain a crime to prevent abuse – ex-journalist Manicad

Former journalist Jiggy Manicad says he aims to fill the gap between media practice and government policies if elected to the Senate in 2019. INQUIRER.NET / CATHRINE GONZALES

MANILA, Philippines — Former TV journalist Jiggy Manicad believes that libel should remain as a crime.

“Dapat pong krimen siya para wala pong pang-aabuso sa hanay nating mamamahayag,” he said when asked, during a senatorial debate Sunday night, whether or not libel should stay as a crime or not.

Malacañang accused Ressa of “abusing” her power as a member of media.

READ: Palace tells Maria Ressa: You’re abusing your power as journalist

Manicad’s answer comes days after Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa was arrested for cyberlibel filed against her and a former researcher over a 2012 article.

READ: Rappler’s Maria Ressa arrested for cyberlibel

Manicad was also asked if Ressa should have been arrested.

“Nasa korte na yan at dapat niyang patunayan yung kanyang kaso,” the former journalist said.

READ: Complainant on Ressa’s arrest: ‘No one is above the law’

Rappler, who has been critical of the Duterte administration, earlier denounced its chief’s arrest and described it as another attempt to “intimidate us.”

READ: Rappler on Maria Ressa case: Preposterous, baseless

Ressa’s arrest also received widespread rebuke from both local and international journalists and media groups. /cbb

READ: Ressa’s arrest a ‘desperate move’ by gov’t – CNN’s Amanpour

READ: Ressa’s arrest is an act of ‘bully government’ — NUJP

READ: Int’l press groups: Charges against Ressa ‘politically motivated’