Statement of Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Maria Ressa

We have seen this play before: Characters and institutions are verbally attacked. Reputations besmirched. Threats of arrest, and even issuances of warrants, at night or on the weekend against the critics of this administration.

Sometimes they succeed, as with Sen. De Lima, Chief Justice Sereno, and Sr. Pat. But sometimes, we are able to hold the line, with the amnesty revocation concerning Sen. Trillanes and the conviction of the policemen in Kian's murder.

Attacking critics and persecuting them through abuse of institutions must not be tolerated. We urge the courts to let due process take its course for Maria Ressa.

We condemn the threats, accusations, and harassments against her. We stand with Maria Ressa as she continues to hold the line.