MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros could only empathize with Rappler CEO Maria Ressa for the legal troubles that she has been going through in the light of charges and warrants of arrest against her for alleged tax evasion and cyber libel.

The two Opposition Senators believe that what’s happening to Ressa is a deliberate attempt on the part of the Duterte administrtion to suppress Press Freedom and to intimidate Ressa for her anti-Duterte stance.

In recognition of her heroic efforts to fight the establishment, Aquino and Hontiveros have jointly filed a Senate Bill that would declare Feb. 29 this year as Maria Ressa Day.

In their proposed legislation, the Senators  are urging the Filipino people to light a candle and fast for 24 hours on February 29 in solidarity with Ressa and in protest of  what they are calling the persecution of a brilliant, dedicated and non-partisan journalist.

Surprisingly, the proposed bill seems to have 100% support from the Senate, and that Duterte is expected to sign it.