Articles by Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Supreme Court grants first writ of amparo ordering protection of journalist target of murder plot
(CMFR/IFEX) – On 11 March 2008, in a four-page resolution, the Supreme Court, sitting en banc, issued a writ of amparo in behalf of Nilo Baculo Sr., publisher of the community newsletter “Traveler’s News” in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, a province about 140 kms south of Manila. Baculo had applied for the writ, asking the […]
Suspect in 2004 killing of journalist surrenders as witness retracts testimony
(CMFR/IFEX) – The suspect in the 2004 killing of radio broadcaster Herson Hinolan surrendered on 5 March 2008 to the Kalibo Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 7 in Aklan, after a key witness retracted his earlier testimony against the suspect. Aklan is approximately 345 km south of Manila. Alfredo Arcenio, former mayor of Lezo town […]
Authorities prevent aerial coverage by television news network of rally against president
(CMFR/IFEX) – The governmental Air Transport Office (ATO) prevented aerial news coverage by a local television news network of one of the largest protest rallies against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on 29 February 2008. ATO declared the air space above Makati City, where the rally was held, a “no fly zone”. The news helicopter of […]
Government warnings not to air president’s wiretapped conversation an impermissible restraint on press freedom, says Supreme Court
(CMFR/IFEX) – The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that threatening statements from the Justice Secretary and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) warning media not to air a wiretapped conversation between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and an elections commissioner constituted “impermissible forms of prior restraints on the right to free speech and press.” The 38-page decision, […]
Judge upholds court’s jurisdiction over Esperat murder case
(CMFR/IFEX) – A Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge denied on 18 February 2008 a motion by two defendants accused of masterminding the murder of journalist Marlene Esperat. The motion sought to quash the charges filed by the state prosecutor against them on 1 February 2008. Cebu is a province located approximately 562 km […]
Judge denies petition by journalists seeking to prevent media arrests during crisis situations
(CMFR/IFEX) – On 8 February 2008, a Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge denied a petition by journalists to extend a previously granted 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the police, the military and other government agencies from threatening or arresting journalists and media practitioners during crisis situations. “(P)laintiffs have failed to show the […]
Vice president “jokes” about killing reporter
(CMFR/IFEX) – The Philippine’s second highest government official said that he was “just joking” when he ordered his bodyguard to kill a tabloid reporter on 13 February 2008, after the latter repeatedly asked whether he was ready to assume the presidency if President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo resigned or was removed from office. Arroyo is facing […]
Arrest warrants issued for alleged masterminds of journalist Marlene Esperat’s murder
(CMFR/IFEX) – A Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge in Cebu City, Cebu province, issued arrest warrants on 4 February 2008 for the two alleged masterminds behind the killing of journalist Marlene Esperat. Cebu is a province approximately 562 kilometres south of Manila. Cebu City RTC Branch 7 Judge Simeon Dumdum issued warrants of arrest to […]