Media Groups Voice Concern Over Charges Against Bacolod Journalist

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. READ: Former news editor surrenders, posts bail in unjust vexation case A local religious leader filed an unjust vexation complaint against Espina and four others over an opinion piece published by SunStar Cebu in December 2024. A court subsequently issued a warrant for Espina’s arrest. Espina, who did not write the opinion piece, voluntarily surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Negros Island Region office in Bacolod City and was released after posting P6,000 bail. In a statement issued Saturday, the PTFOMS stressed that while individuals have the right to seek legal remedies, such laws “must never be weaponized to suppress journalists from performing their professional duties as truth-tellers and reporting on matters of public concern.” It said the exercise of legal rights must be balanced with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. “No journalist should be subjected to actions that threaten their independence and safety,” the task force said. PTFOMS said it would continue to monitor developments in the case and ensure that any action affecting members of the media is addressed with due regard for press freedom and the rule of law. READ: Case filed vs Bacolod journalist alarms Palace media task force “We reiterate our commitment to safeguard the security of journalists against acts of intimidation or legal challenges. This underscores the urgent need for better protection of journalists in a democratic society,” it added./coa