Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro 2nd Dist. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez joined other lawmakers in congratulating online news site Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa for winning the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

“It’s a personal achievement for her. She holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to be honored with such a much-coveted award,” Rodriguez said.

“It’s a recognition of her and her news organization’s incessant struggle for and defense of press freedom and freedom of expression. It carries with it the responsibility to pursue such a fight,” he said.

“Baseless charges for cyber libel were filed against Ressa but she fought on with determination and resolve. Despite this, Rappler continued to present news as they are, objectively, without fear or favor, regardless of whomsover may be affected,” he said.

“This is not to say that there is no press freedom and freedom of expression under the Duterte administration. The press is absolutely free and people are free to say what they want to say, subject only to the bounds set by law,” he added.

Last October 8, 2021, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021 to Maria Ressa and Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov.

Ressa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has noted Ms. Ressa’s “courageous fight for freedom of expression…” and they noted that she represents “journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.

“At a time when there are various attacks on the freedom of the press and expression, when fake news seems to be more of a norm and is being used as a weapon to destroy and as a mean for propaganda, we are very lucky and privileged that people like Maria Ressa continue to fight for what is right and refuse to be silenced, even at the expense of her own freedom and safety,” Rodriguez said.