Rappler boss Maria Ressa is facing up to six years in prison after she was found guilty of “cyber libel” with former writer-researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr., on Monday, June 15, 2020, in Manila court in line with the complaint of defaming businessman Wilfredo Keng in an article published in May 2012.

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In an article written by Rappler, it says that the case was stemmed from an article written in 2012 on the late former chief justice Renato Corona's links to businessmen, including Keng. The cybercrime law used against Ressa and Santos was enacted months after the article was published while Keng filed the complaint in 2017 or 5 years later, beyond the more typical one-year prescription period for libel under the Revised Penal Code.

Based on the verdict promulgated, Rappler was found to have no liability, but both Ressa and Santos were found guilty. They are entitled to post-conviction bail and can appeal the verdict. They have been ordered to pay P200,000 in moral damages and another P200,000 in exemplary damages.

International and local media organizations have expressed thoughts and showed solidarity to what they see as a blockage to the country’s press freedom.

UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye and UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions called the guilty verdict handed down on Monday morning, June 15, a “tragedy for Philippine democracy.”

this is a tragedy for #Philippines democracy and media and for one of the great voices for freedom today, @mariaressa, a friend and inspiration to so many of us. this injustice cannot stand. https://t.co/y3Q4zWXnYk

— David Kaye (@davidakaye) June 15, 2020

The now-closed network, ABS-CBN was among those who joined calls to uphold press freedom and freedom of speech in the country following the announcement of the guilty verdict.

“The verdict will affect all of us. It will have serious implications for Filipino journalists," veteran broadcast journalist Ces Drilon wrote.

The verdict will affect all of us. It will have serious implications for Filipino journalists. #Istandwithmariaressa pic.twitter.com/PAlwDk10eh

— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) June 15, 2020

ABS-CBN’s Jeff Cano calls on his colleagues for the protection of press freedom in light of recent attacks and threats against media.

Thinking about the daily trauma we all have to deal with and endure.

We have to remain. The line we’re holding can’t thin out.

— Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) June 15, 2020

Aside from the cyber libel case, Rappler and Ressa are facing charges of tax fraud, violating the Securities Regulation Code, and the Anti-Dummy Law.

We call on our media colleagues, our community, and other advocates of a free and independent press to be vigilant and vocal now more than ever.

Here are some ways to support Rappler. Thank you for holding the line with us! #CourageON #HoldTheLine #DefendPressFreedom pic.twitter.com/c7JyHwc6as

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) June 15, 2020

Many have seen this as a new setback for press freedoms in a country where journalists have been bullied and threatened.