VOLUNTEER lawyers with the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD) have vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the red-tagging of Gold Star Daily News Editor-in-Chief Cong B. Corrales, an issue that has plagued him since 2019.
In a statement released today, July 16, MAD said Corrales has been a victim of online and offline red-tagging through anti-communist propaganda materials circulated in Cagayan de Oro in 2019.
These incidents earned Corrales the reputation as the “most red-tagged journalist” at the time.
Red-tagging poses severe dangers to journalists by falsely labeling them as communist sympathizers or terrorists, often without evidence.
This practice, particularly prevalent in the Philippines, exposes reporters to intimidation, threats, harassment, arbitrary arrest, and even violence, including extrajudicial killings.
It creates a chilling effect that compels self-censorship, undermines press freedom, and obstructs the public’s right to receive critical and independent information.
The statement added that holding those behind the red-tagging accountable is a crucial first step toward achieving “complete relief and justice.”
MAD pointed out the Supreme Court’s categorical declaration in the Deduro v. Maj. Gen. Vinoya case that red-tagging constitutes “a threat to a person's right to life, liberty and security.”
MAD also stated its intention to pursue “watershed litigation” to hold red-taggers accountable, particularly those on social media.
The statement was signed by MAD Chairman Rico Domingo and President Antonio La Viña.
Meanwhile, Corrales, in a separate statement, expressed gratitude for MAD”s action.
He said the development brings him “a step closer to holding to account the cowardly organizations and individuals who resort to red tagging to stifle the free and independent press.”
