HEADS UP: What is Libel and When Does it Threaten Press Freedom? (Dec. 9)

Here's a Heads Up from reportr on news you need to know today, Dec. 9:

NEWS EXPLAINED

• What is libel and why is it dangerous to press freedom? A recent case filed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s energy secretary and his close associate Dennis Uy raises the question.

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The Omicron variant is “highly unlikely” to dodge protection from existing COVID-19 vaccines, the WHO said.
• There were 370 new COVID cases yesterday.
• Supporters of the late artist are protesting police investigators’ decision to clear billionaire scion Julian Ongpin in her death.
• President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden’s invitation to attend the Summit for Democracy.
• Duterte also ordered the establishment of an OFW hospital to fulfill a 2016 campaign promise.
• Official spelling alert: it’s Lapulapu, not Lapu-Lapu, according to an order from Malacanang.
• UN Chief Antonio Guterres is isolating after exposure to a COVID-19 case.