Maria Ressa, the co-founder of Rappler, has recently made headlines for being acquitted of tax fraud charges in the Philippines. This legal victory is part of her ongoing battle against multiple charges filed during the government of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Ressa's work as a journalist and her vocal criticism of the Duterte administration have made her a prominent figure in the fight for press freedom and democracy in the Philippines.
Born on October 2, 1963, Maria Angelita Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist and author with nearly two decades of experience as a lead investigative reporter in Southeast Asia. She co-founded Rappler, a digital media company known for its critical coverage of the Philippine government. Ressa's work has earned her international recognition, including being named Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2018 for her efforts to combat fake news and disinformation. Despite facing legal challenges and harassment, Ressa remains a staunch advocate for press freedom and the importance of independent journalism in a democratic society.