The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) expresses concern over the reported arrest of veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. in Quezon City on October 24 in connection with a cyberlibel case.
Lustre’s counsel, Atty. Dino de Leon, said the journalist had been unaware of the complaint before his arrest. He said they would seek bail, request humanitarian consideration for Lustre as a senior citizen, and pursue legal remedies to challenge the arrest.
PTFOMS calls for full respect for Lustre’s rights, including access to counsel, communication with his family, and any necessary medical assistance. We urge the prompt handling of any application for bail in accordance with applicable rules, with due consideration for his age and welfare. His reported lack of prior knowledge of the complaint also warrants clarification through the appropriate legal processes.
Separately, PTFOMS notes the libel and cyberlibel complaints filed on October 23 against several GMA Network journalists and executives, among others, before the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office. These complaints have likewise raised concerns about their implications for press freedom.
PTFOMS takes serious note of concerns raised by media organizations that libel and cyberlibel laws have been weaponized to target critical voices, intimidate journalists, and discourage reporting on matters of public interest. These concerns call for careful review and effective safeguards against the abuse of legal processes.
Our position is clear: laws protecting reputation must never be used to harass journalists, suppress legitimate criticism, or obstruct the public’s access to information. The threat of arrest, prolonged litigation, and substantial legal expenses can discourage journalists from pursuing important stories even before a complaint is resolved.
PTFOMS respects the independence of the courts and the right of individuals to seek lawful redress. Every complaint must be assessed fairly, based on evidence and applicable law, with full respect for constitutional protections. Neither the filing of a complaint nor the issuance of an arrest warrant constitutes a finding of guilt.
PTFOMS will seek official information on Lustre’s arrest and coordinate with his counsel and the concerned authorities regarding his welfare and any questions about the procedures followed in his case. We will also engage media organizations on documented instances of alleged legal harassment and measures to protect journalists.
These developments underscore the need for substantive dialogue on libel law reform. The Commission on Human Rights has called for removing imprisonment as a penalty for libel and cyberlibel while retaining proportionate civil remedies for proven reputational harm. These proposals merit careful and inclusive consideration.
Protecting journalists also protects every Filipino’s right to know. Journalists must be able to investigate, ask difficult questions, and hold power to account without fear of harassment or retaliation. #
