In celebration of World Press Freedom Day today, 3 May 2021, the Commission on Human Rights offers its support to all members of the press in creating a community where they can exercise their profession free from violence, intimidation and harassment.

Amidst the political climate and the health crisis in the country caused by the global pandemic, journalists play a vital role in ensuring that members of the public remain up-to-date with the most factual and relevant information and in staying critical in holding power to account. Thus, it is concerning that for four consecutive years the Philippines has consistently dropped in the World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This drop in ranking coincides with the recent results released by the Social Weather Stations survey which finds six in ten Filipinos agree that it is “dangerous to print or broadcast anything critical” of the current administration “even if it is the truth.”

Support against barriers to press freedom exist beyond mere rhetoric. Concrete actions need to be done to ensure that members of the media are protected in the line of duty.

As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, the Commission reiterates its support for Senate Bill No. 1820, a legislative measure filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto on media workers’ welfare, which aims to create a basic compensation scheme to include the adequate compensation for hazardous media coverages and guarantee the security of tenure (or regularisation) for all media workers.

As journalists give voice to the voiceless poor and marginalised. No time is better than now to support them in their fight for truth and justice. ###