THE National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), assailed the filing of cyber libel by the spokesperson of Vice President Leni Robredo against the Journal Group, including its dead editor-in-chief, saying the case is a foreboding of what members of the press can expect under a Robredo presidency.

“While every person has the right to seek redress from the court, the decision by Mr. Barry Gutierrez to sue the Journal Group for cyber libel last May 6, 2022, over an article linking him and VP Robredo to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its chairman, Jose Maria Sison, is a clear indication of where a Robredo presidency is headed— intolerant of any criticism or unsavoury news coming from the members of the press,” said NPC President Lydia Bueno.

“That the complaint even included the late Journal Group chief editor, Auguso ‘Gus’ Villanueva, who passed away last January 14, 2022, is also an indication of the intolerant character of both Mr. Gutierrez and the Vice President, both prominent public officials,” Bueno added.

“We also note that the article complained of by Mr. Gutierrez was also subsequently used by other news outfits and yet, he particularly targeted the Journal Group in the cyber libel that he filed.

Were these other outfits also not deserving of his irritation? Or was it because the Journal Group is connected to another presidential candidate,” Bueno asked.

“While it is now up to the court to decide on the merits of the complaint, we also enjoin all our media colleagues to continue to be responsible and professional in their conduct, especially during this election season.

“We also call on them to remain united and vigilant in protecting the sanctity of a press press and freedom of expression that we all stand for. Let us continue to resist any form of assault and harassment from onion-skinned and intolerant candidates and public officials,” Bueno said.

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