NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Former Cebu Editor Faces Case, Defends Press Freedom
Photo credit: Marchel Espina's FB
Former SunStar Cebu editor-in-chief Marchel Espina voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Friday to face an unjust vexation complaint filed against her and four others, while raising concerns over the possible impact of legal actions against journalists.
Espina surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Negros Island Region office in Bacolod City in connection with the complaint, which stemmed from an opinion article written by a contributor and published by the Cebu-based media outlet in December 2024.
The journalist said she was included in the case because she was serving as editor-in-chief of the publication when the article was released. According to her, five individuals, including the writer of the opinion piece, were named respondents.
In a statement posted on her Facebook account, Espina said she chose to surrender to respect the legal process and vowed to answer the allegations through proper judicial proceedings.
“I am voluntarily surrendering today because I respect the rule of law and the legal process. I intend to answer the allegations through the proper judicial channels,” she said.
Espina said the case highlights concerns over the use of criminal complaints against journalists and editors in relation to their professional work, warning that such actions could affect press freedom.
“Journalists and editors should never be intimidated or silenced for carrying out their professional duties in good faith. While every person has the right to seek legal remedies, the legal process should never be used to discourage independent journalism and reporting in the public interest,” she added.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to responsible journalism and thanked those who supported her, including her lawyer, colleagues, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), family, and friends.
“I remain committed to responsible journalism and to upholding press freedom.”
The complaint was filed by a religious leader before a court in Batangas. Following her surrender, Espina is expected to post bail amounting to P6,000 at the Hall of Justice.
The case has renewed discussions on the balance between seeking legal remedies and protecting the role of journalists in reporting and public discourse.
Espina surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Negros Island Region office in Bacolod City in connection with the complaint, which stemmed from an opinion article written by a contributor and published by the Cebu-based media outlet in December 2024.
The journalist said she was included in the case because she was serving as editor-in-chief of the publication when the article was released. According to her, five individuals, including the writer of the opinion piece, were named respondents.
In a statement posted on her Facebook account, Espina said she chose to surrender to respect the legal process and vowed to answer the allegations through proper judicial proceedings.
“I am voluntarily surrendering today because I respect the rule of law and the legal process. I intend to answer the allegations through the proper judicial channels,” she said.
Espina said the case highlights concerns over the use of criminal complaints against journalists and editors in relation to their professional work, warning that such actions could affect press freedom.
“Journalists and editors should never be intimidated or silenced for carrying out their professional duties in good faith. While every person has the right to seek legal remedies, the legal process should never be used to discourage independent journalism and reporting in the public interest,” she added.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to responsible journalism and thanked those who supported her, including her lawyer, colleagues, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), family, and friends.
“I remain committed to responsible journalism and to upholding press freedom.”
The complaint was filed by a religious leader before a court in Batangas. Following her surrender, Espina is expected to post bail amounting to P6,000 at the Hall of Justice.
The case has renewed discussions on the balance between seeking legal remedies and protecting the role of journalists in reporting and public discourse.
Jul 17, 2026
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