MANILA—Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa was bestowed the 2019 Shorenstein Journalism Award from Stanford University, the private institution announced recently.

The recognition is given to journalists who have "contributed significantly to a greater understanding of Asia through outstanding reporting on critical issues affecting the region," the university said.

Stanford, which made the announcement on May 21, said Ressa will receive the award in a ceremony in the fall.

“For decades, before she became internationally acclaimed for her brave fight to ‘hold the line,’ Maria’s work had provided deep insights into the complexities of Southeast Asia based on her nuanced knowledge, investigative skills and the ability to draw upon them to connect with audiences around the world,” said Gi-Wook Shin, director of Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center.

Ressa joins previous awardees such as the Washington Post’s Beijing Bureau chief Anna Fifield and Wire founding editor Siddharth Varadarajan.

Ressa and news website Rappler, known for its critical coverage on the Duterte administration, are facing several cases including libel and tax-related charges.

Last month, Ressa also received the 2019 Columbia Journalism Award "for the depth and quality of her work."