Rappler Chief Executive Officer and Executive Editor Maria Ressa聽pleaded not guilty today to tax-related charges at the Philippines’ Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) in Quezon City.
She which was presided over by聽Justice Roman Del Rosario, reported ABS-CBN News.
Ressa was of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) for allegedly providing incorrect information in Rappler’s income tax return and value-added tax returns for 2015, reported GMA News. She was also charged with tax evasion.
In a tweet posted earlier this morning, Ressa thanked her supporters and said she was hopeful she will get justice.
Thank you for shining the light. This is my first arraignment of the 11 legal cases filed against us in 14 months. Posted bail 8 times. Each of the 4 tax charges today carry max 10 yrs in prison. That鈥檚 40 yrs! But I remain hopeful we will get justice.
鈥 Maria Ressa (@mariaressa)
Ressa’s cases stem from the issuance of Philippine Depository Receipts (PDRs) to Rappler’s foreign investor Omidyar four years ago. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ),聽Rappler allegedly聽of PHP162.41 million (US$3.11million) from the issuance of these PDRs, reported The聽Philippine Daily聽Inquirer.
Ressa’s hearing will start on May 15. The prosecution and three sets of documentary evidence while Rappler will present PDRs and bank certificates, reported CNN Philippines.
Prior to this, Ressa at the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City on Monday after she and six other Rappler executives were charged with allegedly violating the聽Securities Regulation Code of the Philippines, reported Rappler. This is still in connection with the sale of PDRs to Omidyar.
She also posted bail on Friday morning for allegedly violating the Philippines’ anti-dummy law.
The country’s anti-dummy law , such as mass media.
Rappler and Ressa have been at the receiving end of聽several cases, including cyber libel.聽Ressa said that the cases filed against them were politically-motivated聽due to Rappler’s fractious relationship with President Rodrigo Duterte.
