Vice President Sara Duterte voiced her support for Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) anchors Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, praising them for standing up for freedom of speech and expression. The official thanked those who continue to support Badoy and Celiz, acknowledging their bravery and dedication to upholding the Constitution.
Badoy and Celiz were cited in contempt by the House of Representatives on Dec. 5. Celiz had refused to reveal his source in the Senate in connection to his claim on a live television program that House Speaker Martin Romualdez spent over P1.8-billion in travel this year, citing Republic Act No. 11458 or the Sotto law. Eventually, Celiz revealed his source to a House committee chairperson prior to their release from detention on Dec. 12.
Badoy, also cited in contempt during the same House probe, was commended by Duterte for her roles during the previous Duterte administration’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
The Vice President also extended her gratitude to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni, other members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the media, social media practitioners, professionals, IP leaders, and other sectors for their role in securing the release of Badoy and Celiz from detention.
