The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over multiple reports received through its Alisto! Alert Mechanism of members of the media being denied entry to polling precincts, despite possessing accredited IDs from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Some media workers have also reported experiencing intimidation and surveillance by unidentified individuals while covering the 2025 Midterm Elections.
These incidents raise serious alarm as they infringe on press freedom and the right of the public to access timely and accurate information—rights that are fundamental to any democratic process, especially during elections. The Commission calls for an immediate and impartial investigation into these reported incidents.
Media workers play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process. Any action that hinders their ability to report freely and safely undermines not only the principles of press freedom, but also the right of every Filipino to be informed about their vote.
CHR reminds all election authorities, law enforcement agencies, and local officials of their duty to respect and protect the rights of journalists and media personnel. It is imperative that COMELEC’s guidelines regarding media access are clearly communicated and consistently upheld across all polling precincts. It is also recommended that election personnel and law enforcement officers undergo orientation on the rights of media workers, including existing laws on press freedom, non-obstruction of news coverage, and how to handle security-related concerns without infringing on journalistic activity.
As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission reiterates its commitment to safeguarding civil and political liberties, particularly during significant democratic events such as elections. A free press is a cornerstone of a just and transparent society, and every effort must be made to ensure that journalists are able to perform their duties without fear, interference, or harm. ###