Rappler Recap: Court acquits Rappler of tax evasion

MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) 1st Division handed down its ruling on Wednesday, January 18, acquitting Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa and Rappler Holdings Corporation (RHC) of tax evasion, ending a four-year court battle for the multi-awarded news site. (READ: Philippine court acquits Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, Rappler of tax evasion)

Press freedom advocates called the win “a victory for journalists.”

The CTA 1st Division decided to acquit Ressa and RHC, Rappler’s holding company, on the Duterte government’s charge that it evaded tax payments when it raised capital through its partnership with foreign investors North Base Media and Omidyar Network. This involved the issuance to the two entities of Philippine Depositary Receipts or PDRs, financial instruments commonly used even among media companies like ABS-CBN and GMA Network.

Multimedia reporters Lian Buan and Jairo Bolledo, who cover the Philippine judiciary, explain the ruling and what went on behind the scenes during the verdict reading on Wednesday.

Watch the full recap here:

Play Video

– Rappler.com