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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-8/ressa-santos.webp" alt="Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos, Jr." />
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(Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos, Jr. on June 15, 2020 moments after a Manila court convicted them of cyber libel)
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In a 13-page decision, Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa denied their motion for partial consideration for lack of merit.
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Ressa and Santos were sentenced to up to six years jail on June 15, 2020, over what the court considered a republication of an article that was originally published before the anti-cybercrime law was enacted.
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The court stressed that "discussion has been exhaustively made and no new matters were raised" regarding the issues on republication, the liability and non-representation of the accused, and the damages suffered by "private complainant Wilfredo Keng."
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It also stood by its ruling, saying that Keng is a private citizen.  The court said:
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"It is notable that both accused are raising the public figure defense for the first time. During trial, no evidence was adduced by the defense to show that the status of Keng falls within the definition of a public figure." 
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The Ressa and Santos Jr. remain free after being granted post-conviction bail.
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<strong>Sources</strong>: 
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Various online news outlets
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Lack of merit: Court denies Ressa's motion for reconsideration