MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Online news source Rappler seems to be confused about the difference between a court “ruling” and “opinion.”

While almost all news media outlets have reported that the Court of Tax Appeals ruled to deny Maria Ressa’s plea to travel to the U.S., Rappler reported that the Court “ruled” that conviction is not a reason to bar travel,” giving the impression that their CEO can now travel to the Land of the Free and the Brave.

But the bottom line is that the Court ruled to deny Ressa’ plea, regardless of its “opinion” that conviction is no reason to ban travel by the convicted.

Ressa was convicted of cyber libel. She is appealing her conviction.