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 […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the worsening state of press freedom in the country
Free speech and expression are critical in holding power to account. Journalists and other media practitioners are holding the line to defend accountability in a democracy, most especially in an environment that tends to tolerate impunity. The 2021 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) suggests that the Philippines is facing a […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, in observance of the National Campus Press Freedom Day
The Commission on Human Rights joins all educational institutions and students in the observance of the National Campus Press Freedom Day today, 25 July 2020. This observance was declared only last year, on 28 August 2019 through Republic Act No. 11440 or the National Campus Press Freedom Day Act, in recognition of the importance of […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the decision of the House of Representatives to deny ABS-CBN’s franchise application
It is with concern that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) notes the denial of the franchise of ABS-CBN, the biggest broadcasting media outlet in the country. CHR continues to stress the importance of timely, credible information in pushing everyone towards the correct direction in responding especially to a pandemic. The loss of a major […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, on the killing of a radio broadcaster in Dumaguete City
A radio broadcaster was murdered yesterday, 5 May 2020, on the same day that a media giant was shut down and only 3 days after World Press Freedom Day. On his way home, Rex Cornelio, a news reporter and announcer in DYMD Energy 93.7 FM was shot in Barangay Daro, Dumaguete City. He is the […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission to ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN’s shutdown tonight triggers waves of effects, especially as the country confronts the dangers of a pandemic. At this point, we cannot stress enough how access to credible information is crucial in addressing the spread of Covid-19. With the station off the air, we lose another voice that people rely on for critical information on […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on recent incidents that undermine press freedom
Truth stays alive because there is a free press that guards it. All that we treasure and value are anchored in truth. Media speaks truth to power in the form of factual reportage, well-intentioned criticism, and/or dissenting perspectives. A government that genuinely serves the people would view free media as essential to social good instead […]
Statement on the World Press Freedom Day
PRESS STATEMENT 4 May 2017 Statement on the World Press Freedom Day The Commission on Human Rights Philippines is one in celebrating the World Press Freedom Day! Today, we commemorate the fundamental principles of press freedom and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. This is also […]