The Council of Past Presidents of the Negros Press Club declared its full support of 70 Manila journalists who filed a class suit with the Supreme Court against threats of government officials to arrest them if they cover coup attempts.

The Council, chaired by Modesto Sa-onoy, took up the issue during their outing last weekend at Punta Bulata Resort in Cauayan town.

The Council also supported the stand of Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno who issued a circular to judges that those convicted of libel will only be fined and not jailed.

Puno was criticized by administration officials for usurping the power of lawmakers. The Council said it stands squarely behind the Chief Justice.

The Chief justice was even threatened with an impeachment which he welcomed. “So be it,” he said.*

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