(CMFR/IFEX) – The following is a 2 May 2006 joint statement by CMFR and several other organizations: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, a group of concerned media organizations and journalists in the Philippines, led by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, wrote a statement regarding the increasing government intervention […]
(CMFR/IFEX) – The following is a 2 May 2006 joint statement by CMFR and several other organizations:
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, a group of concerned media organizations and journalists in the Philippines, led by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, wrote a statement regarding the increasing government intervention on press coverage in the country.
Below is the statement.
MAY 3, 2006 PRESS FREEDOM DAY STATEMENT
In the month after the lifting of Proclamation 1017, journalists in the Philippines have reason to worry. Especially, those journalists inclined to take a more critical look at the government, probing and investigating issues and events, which some politicians would rather keep hidden and private.
Last April 21, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez reportedly ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the possible liability of [ABS-CBN television network current affairs programme] “Probe” and its producers for airing an interview with the fugitive soldier First Lieutenant Sonny Sarmiento. In a TV interview Gonzalez said, “There’s a thin line that divides the freedom of the press and the press being used to propagate the cause of rebellion.” Meanwhile, in a letter to ABS-CBN, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has “requested” a copy of the aforementioned episode without stating the reason for such a request. They have also been repeatedly calling “Probe” offices to “request” a copy of the same.
“Probe”‘s presentation of Sarmiento’s interview was responsible and fair. It put his statements in context and got the government to respond. Gonzalez’s statement is therefore very dangerous. Does this now mean that no media organization can interview or quote a rebel without being accused of propagating rebellion?
Only a few weeks ago, a private individual linked to the chief of staff and the justice secretary, applied for a warrant to search the offices of another independent news organization, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. PCIJ staff also related how the location of the office had suddenly become the subject of inquiries from strangers, asking about their office hours and whereabouts.
There are other incidents of course. However, the pressure exerted on these two organizations indicates a concern that has little to do with encouragement of rebellion. The two organizations have time and again proven themselves to exemplify the highest standards in Philippine journalism.
In observing May 3, which has been set by the UNESCO for the global celebration of World Press Freedom Day, members of the press call on the public to examine the situation and the dangers of clamping down on the work of the press and the media. There is a thin line that separates legitimate complaint against irresponsible journalism and intolerance for scrutiny and public evaluation.
As a nation that has previously endured a dictatorship, we should condemn any move towards the suppression of democratic rights and liberties.
The actions taken by the government to threaten free speech are alarming especially in the light of the fact that this administration has failed to take strong steps to stop violence against journalists and media practitioners who work in the community press. In 2005 alone, seven journalists had been killed and no one has been jailed for it.
President Corazon Aquino, who withstood seven coup attempts during her term, never had to close down a single newspaper. The press was left to cover the crises without government guidelines. The current attacks against the press are obviously needless, unless these fulfill a larger design to hold absolute unquestioned power.
Clearly, the actions of President Arroyo reflect her failure to understand and appreciate press freedom as a core value of Philippine society.
We call on all Filipinos to defend press freedom as their right, as it is the only way they can get the information they need as citizens of a democracy. This right is protected and preserved by no less than the Philippine Constitution.
Signed,
Melinda Quintos de Jesus, executive director, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Rachel Khan, deputy director, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Sheila Coronel, executive director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)
Red Batario, executive director, Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD)
Jose Pavia, executive director, Philippine Press Institute (PPI)
Joe Torres, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) – Commission for the Protection of Journalists
Maria Ressa, head, ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs
Charie Villa, head, News Gathering Division, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs
Luchi Valdes, head, Current Affairs, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs
Glenda Gloria, managing editor, Newsbreak
Benny Antiporda, chair, Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag (AFIMA)
Joel Egco, chair, Association of Responsible Media (ARM)
Cheche Lazaro, PROBE Productions
Booma Cruz, PROBE Productions
Ricky Carandang, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC)
