Olivares Conviction Is Malacanang's Warning To Arroyo Critics

"Once more press freedom suffers a serious blow with the conviction of Ms. Ninez Cacho Olivares."

Thus said Gabriela Women's Party Representative Liza Maza today as courts find Tribune editor and columnist Ninez Cacho Olivares guilty of libel. "Without a doubt this conviction is meant to send a chilling message against those who dare to expose, criticize and oppose policies of the Arroyo administration."

The libel case was filed by Atty. Arthur Villaraza against Olivares who in 2003 had written about "The Firm" or the Carpio Villaraza and Cruz law firm as being singled out by the ombudsman in handling cases related to the NAIA Terminal 3 contracts. Olivares likewise identified "The Firm" to be the personal lawyers of the president, and very much involved in the first family's legal concerns.

"We throw our support behind Olivares and all those who dare keep press freedom alive in this country by exposing anomalies in the Arroyo administration despite threats of harassment, suits and even murder." #