The National Press Club (NPC) has called for transparency and respect for due process following the arrest of veteran journalist and author Philip Lustre Jr. over a cyberlibel case.
Lustre was arrested by police shortly after attending the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. The arrest stemmed from a warrant reportedly issued by a court in Davao City.
According to reports and statements attributed to his legal counsel, Lustre had not been informed beforehand of the complaint or case that led to the warrant.
In a statement, the NPC expressed concern over the circumstances of the arrest and its implications for due process, press freedom and the protection of journalists.
The organization said authorities must observe proper legal procedures when implementing arrest warrants and respect the rights of the individuals concerned.
While recognizing the authority of courts and law enforcement agencies to enforce the law, the NPC stressed that such actions must comply with due process and constitutional safeguards.
It also warned that applying cyberlibel laws against journalists could discourage free expression, public-interest reporting and the media’s role in holding those in power accountable.
NPC president Mina Navarro urged authorities to provide a clear and transparent explanation of the circumstances surrounding Lustre’s arrest and ensure that his constitutional rights and access to legal remedies are protected.
The NPC reiterated that press freedom is essential to democracy, saying journalists must be able to perform their duties without intimidation or undue pressure.
It added that legal proceedings should not be used to discourage legitimate journalism or silence critical voices.
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