The Union of Journalists of the Philippines – UP (UJP-UP) vehemently condemns the unjust vexation charge against community journalist Marchel Espina. At the same time, we express solidarity with Espina, who decided to surrender to authorities and cooperate with the case’s legal proceedings.

But Espina’s decision to face the charges should never be taken as acceptance of the weaponization of laws against journalists. Such tactics overstep the freedom of the press. 

The charge, filed by a Batangas-based Iglesia ni Cristo leader, led the Batangas Regional Trial Court to issue an arrest warrant against Espina over a 2024 opinion article published in SunStar Cebu during her time as the publication’s editor-in-chief. 

This case has a subsequent chilling effect. Journalists, as watchdogs of society, bear the responsibility of initiating discourse on issues that concern the public. This includes commentary and publication, as in the case of Espina. A journalist is more than equipped to comment on and critique the current state of our society — whether in social, religious, or political contexts. 

But while journalists have the responsibility to report wrongdoing and hold power to account, the mere prospect of an arrest is enough to discourage critical reporting.

In turn, these proceedings also drain what little remains of a journalist’s resources and time. A journalist faced with such complaints is compromised financially from posting bail, hiring legal counsel and the logistics of attending court proceedings. The time that is better spent working for a living is used instead on settling baseless disputes.

The Union also reserves its strongest criticism for the INC leader who initiated the complaint.

Anyone who holds a position, in and out of a religious context, must be ready to face scrutiny and public clamor, and address them in a manner that is becoming of a “leader.” Filipinos may have the fundamental right to seek redress in court, but the law should never be used for plain revenge and retaliation. Disagreeing and being hurt by an honest and fair opinion article is never grounds for lawfare. 

This is also not the first time the religious group filed raps against journalists providing critical views on the religion’s activities and its ties with political dynasties. 

As long as these dirty mechanisms are used, journalists are never free from the impunity of the state and its most powerful institutions.

As journalists of the Philippines, we will never cower. Our call is to immediately junk all cases against Marchel Espina, as well as other journalists persecuted nationwide. 

Hands off Marchel Espina! Hands off community journalists! Uphold the freedom of the press!