Celebrities and journalists celebrated Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa for winning a Nobel Peace Prize.
Ressa and Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov were named the prestigious award recipients “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”
Ressa is the first Filipino named Nobel Laureate.
The award was announced on October 8 and was presented by Berit Reiss-Andersen, a chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Ressa was recognized for giving fact-based journalism to the public and documenting the Duterte regime’s anti-drug campaign.
“Free, independent, and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies, and war propaganda.
“Without freedom of expression and freedom of the press, it will be difficult to successfully promote fraternity between nations, disarmament, and a better world order to succeed in our time,” said the Committee.
On Twitter, celebrities and fellow journalists expressed their joy for Ressa, and congratulated her on her achievement.
Janine Gutierrez wrote crown emojis for Ressa while Enchong Dee wrote the Philippine flag, palms up, and celebrating emojis.
https://twitter.com/janinegutierrez/status/1446483348562464775
🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🥳🥳🥳 https://t.co/0nNoix0aro
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) October 8, 2021
Former Senator Bam Aquino also congratulated Ressa saying, “Congratulations, @mariaressa! #HoldTheLine.”
Congratulations, @mariaressa! #HoldTheLine 🇵🇭 https://t.co/eOrTfHR1f1
— Bam Aquino (@bamaquino) October 8, 2021
Broadcast journalist Ces Drilon thanked Ressa for her determination to give factual information.
Congratulations @mariaressa ! Salamat sa iyong tapang at paninindigan para ilantad ang katotohanan. https://t.co/lPUS0dl6Yr
— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) October 8, 2021
Other journalists like Jeff Canoy, Karen Davila, Dino Maragay, and Rambo Talabong also congratulated Ressa for her achievement.
Truth wins. Congrats @mariaressa! https://t.co/bA7Y9fzhuS
— Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) October 8, 2021
SPEECHLESS. Wow @mariaressa! You make the Philippines proud!!! 🇵🇭 https://t.co/SfwF26YZnC
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) October 8, 2021
Maria Ressa. A Filipino winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) October 8, 2021
The first Filipino Nobel laureate is a journalist. I can't be happier for my chosen profession. Thank you and kudos, @mariaressa! ❤️
— Dino Maragay (@dino_mars) October 8, 2021
Breaking: Rappler CEO Maria Ressa wins Nobel Peace prize with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov.
Congratulations @mariaressa! https://t.co/J1Z6s260ca
— Rambo Talabong (@ramboreports) October 8, 2021
The Philippines’ first Nobel prize winner is a journalist—persecuted, courageous, inspirational. Congratulations, @mariaressa! https://t.co/uHr7tHRun7
— John Nery (@jnery_newsstand) October 8, 2021
Clarification: By "1st Filipino to win Nobel Peace Prize," we refer to the award given as an individual. The other Filipinos who received the Nobel Peace Prize were part of a group that won the award.
— Mike Navallo (@mikenavallo) October 8, 2021
Congratulations @mariaressa 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/qP9CRk5muF
— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) October 8, 2021
Big congrats to @mariaressa for being the first Filipino to win #NobelPeacePrize https://t.co/SqHoUYJl0D
— diane paragas (@dianeparagas) October 8, 2021
Ressa is known for advocating to avoid the spread of disinformation. She is also facing legal cases from the Duterte administration over Rappler’s ongoing coverage of the murderous drug war, among other things.