(SEAPA/IFEX) – Philippine journalists are expressing grave concern over government moves to amend the Bill of Rights under the Philippine Constitution, pointing out that one suggested revision would weaken guarantees of freedom of expression. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) says a government-appointed Constitutional Commission wants to amend Section 4 of the […]
(SEAPA/IFEX) – Philippine journalists are expressing grave concern over government moves to amend the Bill of Rights under the Philippine Constitution, pointing out that one suggested revision would weaken guarantees of freedom of expression.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) says a government-appointed Constitutional Commission wants to amend Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution, by qualifying a previous clause on free speech.
The Philippine Bill of Rights is patterned after the Bill of Rights of the United States and in its present form states that “No law shall be passed abridging freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the Government for redress of grievances.”
The Constitutional Commission, however, would rather have that provision now read: “No law shall be passed abridging the responsible exercise of freedom of speech, of expression. . .”
In a petition issued on 24 January, NUJP said the addition of the phrase “responsible exercise” weakens the Bill of Rights and leaves it vulnerable to the whims of political leaders. It could potentially curb free expression and legitimate dissent, the NUJP said.
While acknowledging that Philippine journalism and journalists can stand to be improved professionally and ethically, the NUJP stressed that there are enough laws in the Philippines to ensure a system of redress for those who see themselves wronged by an irresponsible press. Tinkering with the Bill of Rights, it said, was not a solution to anything, and could undermine the hard-won democracy of Filipinos.
