MANILA, Philippines — Broadcast journalist Alfonso Tomas “Atom” Araullo secured a significant legal victory against Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, who had red-tagged him in a series of public statements.

In a 27-page decision dated December 12, 2024, Judge Dolly Rose Bolante-Prado of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 306 ruled in favor of Araullo, declaring that the defendants had abused their right to free speech by making defamatory statements.

“The right to free speech is not absolute; it imposes limitations to ensure it does not impinge upon the rights of others,” the ruling read. The court also cited a precedent from the Supreme Court case Deduro v. Maj. Gen. Vinoya, which stated that “red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association constitute threats to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security.”

The court found that the red-tagging of Araullo caused humiliation and disturbed his family relations, particularly affecting his mother, Carol Pagaduan-Araullo, chairperson emeritus of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, who has also been red-tagged.

“Red-tagging, being a threat to a person’s fundamental rights, is inherently malicious,” the court added, finding all elements of defamation present in the case.

Badoy and Celiz were ordered to pay Araullo a total of ₱2.07 million in nominal, moral, and exemplary damages, along with ₱10,000 in attorney’s fees and costs of the suit.

A Landmark Decision Against Red-Tagging

Araullo welcomed the court’s decision, stating, “I am elated by the court’s ruling. Above all, this case opens up a legal option for anyone who has been a victim of red-tagging and harmful disinformation, particularly journalists. It is not okay to be attacked or harassed simply for doing our jobs.”

He extended his gratitude to the lawyers from the Movement Against Disinformation who worked on his case, as well as supporters who stood by him throughout the process.

Araullo originally filed the civil case for damages in September 2023, citing a “series of unsubstantiated accusations and personal attacks” made by Badoy and Celiz on SMNI and social media platforms. He explained that while he initially ignored the attacks, he later realized the dangers of unchecked disinformation.

“I am doing this for the safety and well-being of my family, but I also hope it contributes in a modest way to protecting press freedom in general,” Araullo said.

He clarified his decision not to file criminal charges against the defendants, emphasizing his opposition to the criminalization of libel. “Still, malicious perpetrators of disinformation must be stopped and held accountable,” he said, calling the issue a “unique challenge of our time.”

Background of Red-Tagging Incidents

The red-tagging accusations against Araullo began as early as 2020, when the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) red-tagged him over his documentary on Lumad schools.

In July 2023, Badoy publicly linked Araullo to communist groups, rhetorically questioning why his mother had not recruited him into the New People’s Army. This prompted Carol Pagaduan-Araullo to file her own complaint against Badoy.

With the court’s ruling, advocates of press freedom and human rights have hailed the decision as a precedent-setting victory against red-tagging and disinformation campaigns in the Philippines.

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