Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte lauded the courage and firmness of Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) hosts Dr. Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz for fighting and promoting trust in the rule of law.
According to the vice president, the two symbolize a nation that stands for what is right and stands for what is just.
On December 5, 2023, Badoy and Celiz were cited in contempt and imprisoned in the House of Representatives (HOR) after they stood up for the right to free expression and free press.
They were detained for seven days.
Badoy and Celiz were released on December 12, 2023, after members of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted unanimously to lift the detention order on humanitarian grounds.
“Dr. Badoy and Ka Eric first showed courage and loyalty to the nation as part of the Duterte administration’s successful campaign against insurance terrorism under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Thank you very much to all Filipinos who supported and joined the fight of Dr. Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey ‘Ka Eric’ Celiz,” the vice president said in a statement.
Duterte also recognized the retired Philippine Military Academy Alumni and former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who issued a bold call for the release of the hosts.
She said the appeal of PMA Alumni and AFP comrades is also a reminder of the importance of order, integrity, and good governance.
“Thank you very much also for the unification of the members of the media, social media practitioners, professionals, IP leaders, and other sectors that became instruments to free Dr. Badoy and Ka Eric. There is power in a united nation for the advancement of our rights, for justice, truth, and to establish a peaceful and strong nation,” Duterte said.
