The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) said it is supporting Marchel Espina and four other journalists who are facing unjust vexation charges filed by a religious leader in Cebu this week.
The case stemmed from an opinion article written by Espina and published by SunStar Cebu in December 2024, when she was still the newspaper’s editor-in-chief.
Espina surrendered to authorities on Friday, July 17, to answer the allegations. She has since posted bail.
In a statement on Saturday, PTFOMS said it found the charges disturbing.
“The Task Force stands with Espina and the four other individuals who were charged, as well as with other media organizations, press associations, independent journalists, news outlets, and other members of the press who expressed concern over this incident,” the statement said.
“While it is within a person’s right to pursue legal remedies, laws must never be weaponized to suppress journalists from performing their professional duties as truth-tellers and reporting on matters of public concern,” it added.
The government’s media security arm further noted that while the exercise of legal rights must remain within the bounds of the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and of the press, journalists should not be subjected to actions that threaten their independence and safety.
“We will monitor developments in this case and ensure that any action affecting members of the media is addressed with respect for press freedom and the rule of law,” PTFOMS said, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding journalists against intimidation through legal action.
“This underscores the urgent need for better protection of journalists in a democratic society,” it concluded.
