Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the Celebration of National Press Freedom Day
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) proudly hails the courage and valor of all media workers as we celebrate National Press Freedom Day. At a time when the 2025 World Press Freedom Index has tagged the state of press freedom all over the world to be at “an unprecedented, critical low as its decline continued […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the reported situation of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil inside Tacloban City Jail
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the reported situation of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil inside Tacloban City Jail The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has taken cognizance of reports concerning the alleged mistreatment and abuse of detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil at the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory. […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the killing of a radio broadcaster in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vehemently condemns the killing of radio broadcaster Erwin “Boy Pana” Segovia in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. CHR Region XIII (Caraga) has promptly initiated a motu proprio investigation and conducted a quick response operation to take cognizance of the incident. Initial reports indicate that the victim was shot in […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the report of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan on the state of freedom of expression and the press in the Philippines
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Philippines acknowledges the recommendations presented by United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, following her official visit to the country in January 2024. These recommendations reflect both progress made and the urgent reforms still needed to protect and promote free expression […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the court victory of journalist Atom Araullo vs red-taggers
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recent decision of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 306, which ruled in favor of journalist Atom Araullo in his civil suit against SMNI hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz, who accused him of being associated with communist terrorist ideologies in their talk show. In […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the call of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan for the Philippine government to address issues concerning media workers
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledges the urgent appeal made by United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, urging the Philippine government to review the cases of journalists facing legal charges and address the alarming incidents of media killings in the country. As the country’s independent national human […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights denouncing the killing of a woman media worker in Zamboanga City
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the killing of another media worker in Zamboanga City, who was attacked just a few meters away from her house on 22 October 2024. Ma. Vilma Rodriguez, a media worker affiliated with eMedia Productions, was shot three times by a riding-in-tandem assailant. She managed to walk home […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the alleged media harassment committed by police couple in Leyte
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern regarding the reported harassment of three journalists covering a land dispute in the town of Pastrana in Leyte province on 14 July 2023. The alleged acts of aggression and harassment were allegedly committed by a married police couple over a land dispute that they are involved […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the gun attack against a Remate photojournalist and his family, and the death threats against VERA Files
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses solidarity with the media community in strongly condemning the gun attack on Remate Online photojournalist Joshua Abiad and his family and the death threats against fact-checking media organization VERA Files. Based on the police report, Abiad sustained two gunshot wounds after two unidentified assailants shot his vehicle multiple […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the online threats made against TV5 journalist Ed Lingao and host Lourd de Veyra
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) remains firm in its stance to defend the free press and calls for the protection of all media workers in the country. We do not and cannot take lightly any threats or any allusions to harm the lives of journalists, regardless if such statements are deliberate or cursory. On […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on NTC’s order to internet service providers to block websites allegedly affiliated to terrorist organisations and closure order of the Securities and Exchange Commission to Rappler
Addressing terrorism and preventing the spread of disinformation both uphold human rights. A safe environment enables a dignified life. At the same time, access to accurate information allows people to make informed decisions and participate in different affairs, including governance. In this regard, the role of the government, as the prime duty-holder, is to ensure […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia, on the celebration of World Press Freedom Day
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 […]