THE recent ruling by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in favor of journalist Atom Araullo is a victory not just for him, but for all those who value press freedom and human dignity.
In a civil case against red-taggers Lorraine Badoy-Partosa and Jeffrey Celiz, the court awarded Araullo P2 million in damages, highlighting the severe harm caused by defamatory accusations. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the battle against red-tagging, which has long been weaponized to silence critics and instill fear within society.
Red-tagging, the practice of labeling individuals or groups as communist sympathizers or terrorists without evidence, is not just a political tool—it is a direct assault on a person’s character, safety, and well-being. In this case, Badoy-Partosa and Celiz repeatedly targeted Araullo and his mother, Dr. Carol Araullo, accusing them of supporting a “terrorist agenda” on the SMNI program Laban Kasama ang Bayan. These malicious accusations, amplified on social media, put Araullo’s life in danger, destabilized his career, and subjected him to public harassment.
The court’s ruling on December 12, 2024, was a resounding affirmation that red-tagging is not protected by the right to free speech. It defined red-tagging as harassment and intimidation, a threat to fundamental rights that undermines personal dignity and security. In fact, the court underscored that defamatory statements—such as those made by Badoy-Partosa and Celiz—fall outside the realm of acceptable public discourse and should not be shielded under free speech protections.
This decision is a clear message that, while free speech is essential, it does not give anyone the right to damage another person’s reputation or put their life at risk through false and malicious claims.
For those of us who care about the integrity of the media and the safety of those who speak out, Araullo’s legal victory offers an important lesson: red-tagging causes real and lasting harm. It’s a reminder that the consequences of these reckless accusations go far beyond mere words—they have the power to destroy lives, sow division, and incite violence.
This ruling provides a potential roadmap for others who have been targeted in the same way, showing that they can seek legal redress without resorting to outdated laws like criminal libel, which have long been used to stifle dissent and criticism.
As someone who has also been a victim of red-tagging, I personally welcome this development. In previous years, while conducting interviews with rebels as part of my journalistic work, I found myself unfairly targeted by state forces.
Simply because they saw my photos and news aired over local TV with individuals who were subjects of my stories, the Philippine military quickly jumped to the conclusion that I supported their enemies.
This is the reality many journalists face when their work brings them into contact with those labeled as “enemies of the state.” Like Araullo, I know firsthand the risks and consequences of being falsely accused and smeared.
MAD (Movement Against Disinformation) was quick to commend Araullo’s bravery in pursuing the case and praised the judiciary for its principled stance. This ruling is not just about one journalist—it’s about protecting the fundamental right to free speech and ensuring that those who abuse it to spread lies and misinformation are held accountable.
As the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) rightly pointed out, “May this case… serve as a warning to red-taggers that the media community can, has, and will hold you accountable in as many venues as are available.”
This case is a significant step forward in the fight against disinformation and the defense of press freedom. It sends a message that, while misinformation may spread quickly, accountability is not far behind. It is a call to action for all of us to stand firm against the corrosive influence of red-tagging, and to support those who seek justice in the face of it. The victory in this case is not just for Araullo, but for anyone who believes in the right to live and speak freely, without fear of being falsely accused and maliciously targeted.
As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that the fight against disinformation is ongoing. The victory in Araullo’s case should inspire others who have been similarly victimized to seek justice, and serve as a powerful reminder that the truth—and the people who defend it—will not be silenced. | Ricky Bautista, Editor, The Samar Chronicle
