Manila - In a significant legal victory for the renowned Filipino Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and her news outlet, Rappler, a trial court in Manila acquitted them of charges related to tax fraud on Tuesday. This decision not only marks a triumph for the embattled journalist but also represents a crucial win for press freedom in Southeast Asia.

Maria Ressa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, shares leadership at Rappler, a news organization known for its rigorous examination of former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration and his controversial anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to numerous fatalities.

Following the announcement of the verdict, Ressa addressed reporters and emphasized the positive implications of her acquittal for the business community, as her tax-related charges held significant implications for the principles of justice and the rule of law. She underscored her determination to continue engaging with the justice system, even in the face of political pressure and threats to press freedom, expressing confidence that the court's functioning had been validated. Furthermore, she expressed hope that the remaining charges against her would be dropped.

Ressa's acquittal had been widely anticipated, considering her previous exoneration from similar tax-related charges nine months ago. These allegations had arisen from a 2018 government indictment, which accused Ressa and Rappler of evading tax payments by not declaring the proceeds from a 2015 sale of depositary receipts to foreign investors.

At present, Maria Ressa, aged 59, remains on bail and had previously been convicted of cyber libel in 2020, one of several legal actions initiated by government entities against her and her news platform. She has consistently argued that these cases were driven by political motives.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has been in office for 14 months, has affirmed that he would not interfere with the ongoing legal proceedings against Rappler. The news organization continues to operate without impediment as it pursues an appeal against a closure order issued by the securities regulator.

Francis Lim, one of Ressa's legal representatives, expressed the hope that this recent acquittal would lead to the dismissal of the remaining charges, including the closure order.

The World Press Freedom Index ranks the Philippines at 132 out of 180 countries, describing its media landscape as "extremely vibrant" despite targeted government attacks and ongoing harassment of critical journalists.