Philippine journalist Atom Araullo. BERN ANDREW DALIDA BERNABE

In a groundbreaking legal victory, renowned journalist Atom Araullo has successfully sued two prominent red-taggers in a case that could pave the way for similar actions by other victims. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court ruled in favor of Araullo on December 12, ordering SMNI hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz to pay ₱2.08 million (Dh130,372) in damages and attorney fees. The court’s decision, released on Friday (December 13), cited the malicious intent behind the red-tagging campaign that significantly impacted Araullo’s personal life and career. “I am elated by the court’s ruling. Above all, this case opens up a legal option for anyone who has been a victim of red-tagging and harmful disinformation, particularly journalists. It is not okay to be attacked or harassed simply for doing our jobs,” Araullo, a journalist for GMA 7, said in a statement. The ruling marks the first known application of a Supreme Court decision defining red-tagging as a threat to constitutional rights, including life, liberty, and security. Red-tagging, a term unique to the Philippines, refers to the baseless labeling of individuals or organizations as communist sympathizers or terrorists. In her 27-page decision, Judge Dolly-Rose Bolante Prado highlighted the malicious intent behind the actions of Badoy and Celiz, stating that they “deliberately sought to discredit and inflict harm” on Araullo. The court emphasized that red-tagging is inherently malicious, violating fundamental rights and abusing the principles of justice, honesty, and good faith under the Philippine Civil Code. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) welcomed the decision, stating, “This case shows how one can seek redress for defamation without resorting to criminal libel, an archaic law often used to silence critical reporting and dissent.” Araullo’s victory sheds light on the limitations of existing legal protections for red-tagging victims. Before this, victims often refrained from pursuing legal remedies due to the lack of laws explicitly penalizing red-tagging. The court’s decision also addressed the psychological toll of red-tagging. “Red-tagging violated the plaintiff’s right to peace of mind,” the ruling stated, referencing the Civil Code that protects dignity, personality, and privacy. Badoy and Celiz, who have a history of red-tagging individuals, accused Araullo and his mother, Carol, of being affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines. Judge Prado noted that these claims, made on their show Laban Kasama Ng Bayan, went beyond editorial opinion and incited threats and public hatred. Legal experts and media organizations hailed the decision as a milestone for press freedom in the Philippines. “May this serve as a warning to red-taggers that the media community can, has, and will hold you accountable,” said the NUJP. ICA/Expat Media
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