Rappler CEO Maria Ressa awarded with 2021 Nobel Peace Prize

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.

Maria Ressa is 1st Filipino to win Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.

By "1st Filipino to win Nobel Peace Prize," we refer to the award given as an individual. The other Filipinos who received the Nobel Peace Prize were part of a group that won the award.

Ressa counts 9/11 attack and Cambridge Analytica's operations in Philippines as biggest stories she covered. 

"We are being insidiously manipulated by what has become a behavior modification system. And this is part of what you’re hearing being exposed at the US Senate..."

"There is no better time to be a journalist. You know the times when it’s most dangerous is the times when it’s most important. This is the best time to be a journalist.

Journalism will test you mentally, intellectually, physically, spiritually, morally. You learn to draw the lines.

How do we get back to a world that has technology working within the framework of democracy? How do we get back to a world where the technology that delivers the news to us is governed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

How do we get back the things that have made humanity resilient because in this information ecosystem, it will tear us apart. So I guess this gives us renewed energy. We’re on the right path. We keep going."

“A world without facts means a world without truth and trust. And if you don’t have any of those things, you certainly can’t conquer coronavirus, can’t conquer climate change.” 

Rappler on Ressa's Nobel Peace Prize: 

"Rappler is honored – and astounded – by the Nobel Peace Prize Award given to our CEO Maria Ressa. It could not have come at a better time – a time when journalists and the truth are being attacked and undermined.

We thank the Nobel for recognizing all journalists both in PH and in the world who continue to shine the light even in the darkest and toughest hours.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the daily struggle to uphold the truth, who continue to hold the line with us.

Reacting to Ressa's Nobel award, Justice Sec Menardo Guevarra: As an ordinary filipino, I am happy that a fellow Filipino has been included in this year’s roster of Nobel peace laureates. It is every citizen’s duty to safeguard freedom of expression in our country.

Ressa has faced around 10 cases prosecuted by the DOJ, one of which ended with her conviction by a Manila court for cyber libel filed by businessman Wilfredo Keng. It is on appeal at the Court of Appeals.

Rights groups have argued the number of raps filed against Ressa alone is proof this is a press freedom/freedom of expression issue.

Guevarra says freedom of expression is a consideration in prosecuting her but invokes "certain very well-defined limitations." 

This year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia for their fight for freedom of expression.  

“I would like to thank President Duterte. Without him I would not have won this award.” - Maria Ressa accepting the Nobel Peace Prize. Maybe. 

Some past winners:

2014

Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education” 

2009

Barack H. Obama “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples” 

1993

Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk “for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa” 

1989

The 14th Dalai Lama “for advocating peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people”

1979

Mother Teresa “for her work for bringing help to suffering humanity” 

1964

Martin Luther King Jr. “for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population” 

1906

Theodore Roosevelt “for his role in bringing to an end the bloody war recently waged between two of the world’s great powers, Japan and Russia” 

The National Union of Journalists of the Phillippines commends Ressa for the Nobel Peace Prize award, saying the prize is not only a recognition of her work but of the importance of freedom of the press and of expression throughout the world.

“Hello President Duterte! I ask the government do it’s job and stop abusing it’s power!” 

Noong huling SONA ay na outshine si Duterte ng Gold medal win ni Hidilyn Diaz that was redtagged by the Duterte administration. 

Ngayon, yung pa circus sa COC filing, natatabunan ng Nobel Peace Prize ni Maria Ressa of Rappler sa headline.

A new level of standards for journalism has been set. Time to measure others against this new benchmark.

Ano kaya feeling ng mga DDS na nang-bash kay Maria Ressa, sa pagkapanalo niya ng Nobel Peace Prize?

Baka sabihin nila dilawan ang Nobel Prize Committee.

Meron na naman diyan na magsasabi: “Dilawan yang Nobel Peace Prize na yan.. Biased!”

Malapit na rin naman po magka award si Duterte na international e. Galing sa ICC nga lang.

Marami talagang nagawa si Tatay. Sa panahon lang ni Duterte yarrrnnn. Basta sa panahon lang ni Duterte may Nobel Peace Prize na Pinoy. Hahahaha!

Hala $1.14Million ang Nobel Peace Prize Money. A million taga sa mga tao sa Malacañang.

Maghanda na kayo COA. Ipapa-audit na ang Nobel Peace Prize sa inyo.

Nagmumurahan na naman sila sa Malacanang!Ikaw kasi! Ikaw kasi!

May bubula na namang bibig sa Rant to the Nation sa Lunes.

I wonder how those people would be able to sleep tonight… Imagine all that effort, time and funds and the result is a Nobel Peace Prize?!? I know I’ll be sleeping soundly.

The writing's literally on the wall na, for this admin. But then again we can't be so complacent.

Turn of events, lots of twists, then Maria got that award. Whatever it is, congrats to her. It is a very well deserved accolade. I feel proud as a Filipino that a kababayan would bring home the Nobel Peace Prize amidst prosecution by her own government.

As they say, things happen for a good reason.

Congratulations Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov on your Nobel Peace Prize.

This recognition is a reminder that no society can be free without journalists who can investigate wrongdoing & speak truth to power.

Press freedom is vital for peace, justice and human rights.

Nobel Laureates Malala Yousafzai & former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos share their congratulations with Maria Ressa, now their fellow Nobel Peace Prize awardee. 

Both praise the award as a recognition of the role of press freedom in defending democracy and peace. 

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.