How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future

Ressa recounts how in January 2018, the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission revoked Rappler’s license to operate, citing alleged foreign ownership. This unprecedented move was seen by Ressa and her team as an attempt by the government to shut down Rappler. In response, Ressa and her co-founders decided to fight the charge, holding a press conference to explain their position and reassure their staff. Ressa describes the government’s actions as a “weaponization of the law” (181), drawing parallels to other cases of political persecution in the Philippines. The pressure then escalated, with Rappler reporters being banned from covering presidential events and Ressa herself being barred from certain areas.

The author then pivots to discussing broader issues affecting journalism globally. She critiques Facebook’s decision to deprioritize news in its feed, arguing that this change inadvertently amplified disinformation. Ressa also touches on the Cambridge Analytica data mining scandal and its implications for democracy worldwide, including in the Philippines.

Ressa recounts her participation in various international forums and commissions addressing disinformation and threats to democracy. These experiences have broadened her perspective on the global nature of the challenges facing journalism and democratic institutions. The