AA files P2-M damage suit vs red-taggers Badoy, Celiz
By J.Lo
"I initially chose to ignore their attacks owing to their apparent absurdity…but because I've seen how treacherous, persuasive, and harmful disinformation can be, especially when left unchecked, I have resolved to push back," Journalist Atom Araullo filed P2-million civil suit against Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) hosts and red-taggers Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz for "maliciously" disseminating defamatory statements.
Araullo filed civil complaint at Quezon City Regional Trial Court to seek redress for damages and injury he has suffered as result of malicious dissemination of defamatory statements by former spokesperson of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and an individual who claims to be former New People's Army rebel.
Badoy and Celiz are hosts of show "Laban Kasama ang Bayan" on SMNI, which is owned by controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing sex trafficking and money smuggling charges in United States.
Multi-awarded journalist, television anchor and documentary filmmaker stressed Badoy and Celiz have committed acts contrary to Articles 19, 20, 21, 26, and 33 of New Civil Code of the Philippines, which safeguard every individual's personal rights, human relations and dignity, leading to serious damage and injury to his reputation, peace of mind, and personal relations.
In statement, Araullo filed case for "safety and well-being" of his family.
"I am doing this for safety and well-being of my family, but I also hope it contributes in modest way to protecting press freedom in general," he stressed.
Araullo did not file criminal case against Badoy and Celiz as he is against criminalization of libel.
"I would prefer not to invoke it because it also endangers legitimate journalism... still, malicious perpetrators of disinformation must be stopped and held accountable," he said.
In July, Araullo's mother Carol, chair emeritus of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), also filed similar complaint against Badoy and Celiz for "incessantly and wantonly" vilifying her organization.
SMNI hosts accused Atom of being "spawn" of "active CPP Central Committee leader" and vilified him as journalist who produces contents align with propaganda of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front.
Human rights organizations have warned red-tagging poses serious risks to safety and security of individuals and groups falsely labeled as communists or terrorists.
"This dangerous narrative is used to justify arrests, trumped-up charges, surveillance and other forms of harassment against human rights defenders, including journalists," National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said. NUJP has recorded 19 incidents of red-tagging under administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who had been red-tagged and subjected to surveillance, was arrested in Tacloban City in 2020 and remains in jail over fabricated charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and financing terrorism.
Independent media organizations Altermidya, Bulatlat, Kodao and Pinoy Weekly and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa previously filed separate administrative charges against Badoy over her baseless labeling.
Cagayan de Oro-based journalist Cong Corrales also filed petition before Data Privacy Commission earlier this year, seeking to unmask anonymous Facebook accounts persistently targeted him.
NUJP and several of its officers have also been repeatedly red-tagged for their defense of press freedom and right to free expression.
No comments:
Post a Comment