Congratulations, Maria Ressa!

That she was recognized for her “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression” reflects the worrying state of democracy and human rights in the Philippines, and in other parts of Asia and the world. Maria Ressa represents all those who are being persecuted for speaking the truth and exacting accountability from those in authority. The world can still hope for a more democratic and more just society, even in the midst of authoritarianism and populism today, because of the likes of Maria Ressa whose courage and conviction serve as an inspiration to many.