MANILA — The Court of Tax Appeals en banc has upheld the acquittal of Maria Ressa and Rappler Holdings Corporation on four counts of tax-related charges.

In 2023, the CTA 1st Division found Ressa and RHC not guilty on three counts of failure to supply correct information and one count of tax evasion, supposedly amounting to P141 million worth of taxes.

 Journalist Maria Ressa, Rappler acquitted of tax evasion

 In the en banc decision promulgated on February 21, 2025, the court reiterated that RHC is not a dealer in securities and the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts to NBM Rappler L.P. and Omidyar Network are not considered sale of shares.

 The court emphasized that since there is no gain or profit and the transaction is not a sale of shares, RHC is not required to pay the income tax and value added tax on the PDR transactions.

 “Accordingly, the court en banc finds no reason to modify or reverse the disposition in the assailed decision and assailed resolution,” the court said in the decision penned by Associate Justice Corazon Ferrer-Flores. 

 The en banc also said the arguments raised by petitioner Bureau of Internal Revenue were mere rehash and were already extensively passed upon by the 1st Division. 

 The en banc also stressed that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the 1st Division. 

 “Here, petitioner was able to present documentary and testimonial evidence, which the court in division appreciated and evaluated during trial,” the en banc said.