Philippine govt finally acknowledges Ressa's Nobel prize, but insists there is no media crackdown

Critics had earlier noted the Philippine government's reluctance to acknowledge Maria Ressa's Nobel Prize. - Reuters

MANILA, Oct 11 (The Straits Times/ANN): The Philippine government on Monday (Oct 11) finally acknowledged the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to journalist Maria Ressa, but insisted there is press freedom in the country and that the existential threat to her news organisation is due to its legal troubles, not a targeted effort by President Rodrigo Duterte to shut it down.

"Well, it's a victory for a Filipina, and we are very happy for that," Mr Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, told reporters.