Rappler seeks dismissal of cyberlibel charges

MANILA, Philippines — Following its legal victory last week before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) that heard its tax evasion cases, online news outfit Rappler on Friday also formally appealed to the Manila court to dismiss its cyberlibel case and acquit the accused, including Rappler CEO Maria Ressa.

Should RTC Branch 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa resolve the demurrer to evidence in favor of Rappler, the cyberlibel charges will be junked.

The case stemmed from a 2012 article written by Ressa’s coaccused Reynaldo Santos Jr., which linked the complainant William Keng to the late Chief Justice Renato Corona and tagged him on a number of crimes, including drug smuggling, human trafficking and murder. —Krixia Subingsubing