Cumpio’s promulgation ‘critical test’ for press freedom in PH — RSF

By Nash Villena, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
January 21, 2026

FREE FRENCHIE MAE CUMPIO. Media organizations and press freedom advocates held a protest on Wednesday in front of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila, a day before the promulgation of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil’s remaining charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and terrorism financing (Jan. 21, 2026). (Photo courtesy: Altermidya/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Press freedom advocates and media organizations amplified their call for the acquittal and dismissal of cases for community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church lay worker Marielle Domequil ahead of their promulgation tomorrow Thursday, January 22.

Local and international media freedom watchdogs convened in a media briefing on Tuesday to affirm that Cumpio’s six-year detention spells the end for patterned attacks against press freedom and expression in the Philippines.

Aleksandra Bielakowska of Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) notably stated that Cumpio’s prolonged detention is a systemic manifestation of grave abuse by the state to suppress independent reporting.

“The sheer amount of this absurdity shows how deeply systemic this has become in the Philippines and how local authorities, including the military and police, are very often targeting independent voices,” said Bielakowska.

According to RSF’s latest 2025 World Press Freedom Index, the Philippines ranked 116th out of 180 countries assessed, highlighting the still difficult situations journalists face in practicing their profession in the country.

“This trial is not only about one journalist,” Bielakowska said. “It is a critical test for press freedom in the Philippines.

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Since Cumpio’s arrest in February 2020, her case caught the attention of global media watchdogs, underscoring the significance of the upcoming Thursday ruling which will serve as a precedent for media freedom in the Philippines.