MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – ABS-CBN reporter Doris Bigornia is finally breaking her silence over her rift with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Celine Pialago.

The MMDA official filed a complaint to the office ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Division Head Ging Reyes, accusing Bigornia of “pananakit (hurting).”

Bigornia, who has had public arguments and encounters with others in the past, told The Adobo Chronicles  that MMDA, particularly Pialago, is trying to silence her. “I’m a true, tested and veteran journalist. I am entitled to free speech and press freedom,” she added.

Upon learning pf Bigornia’s statement, Rappler CEO Maria Ressa said that Bigornia has no originality. “Those are my lines. Is she trying to steal the thunder from me?”

Ressa is known for spreading misinformation — especially abroad — that the Philippine government is weaponizing the law to silence her as a journalist. She is currently facing criminal charges, including cyber libel and tax evasion.