Philippine Bar Association offers free legal aid to 'targeted' journos in Cusi, Uy libel suits

In this file photo, students of the University of the Philippines picket at Palma Hall, calling for an end of repression of press freedom under the Duterte administration.

The STAR / Michael Varcas, File

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Bar Association said it is offering free legal services to “targeted journalists and media organizations” in the libel suits filed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and businessman Dennis Uy.

“As lawyers who believe in the importance of the Freedom of the Press, we cannot stand idle and let this happen. The PBA will not allow the law on libel to be weaponized against the vanguards of our democracy,” the PBA, the oldest organization of lawyers, said in a statement.

Cusi filed raps against a total of 17 media organizations and journalists over stories they wrote on the graft complaint filed against them over the controversial Malampaya gas field output. Uy also sued a number of journalists in a separate complaint.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/12/08/2146556/philippine-bar-association-offers-free-legal-aid-targeted-journos-cusi-uy-libel-suits