Articles by Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Six-year murder case of journalist reopened; suspects to stand trial
(CMFR/IFEX) – A resolution by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on 16 January 2007 ordered the reopening of the murder case against the suspected killers of radio broadcaster Rolando Ureta, who was killed on 3 January 2001 in Aklan, a province south of Manila. The defendants’ alibis were insufficient, said the DOJ in reversing the […]
Two critical television news programmes cancelled; financing for investigative news magazine allegedly halted under duress
(CMFR/IFEX) – Two television news programmes that were critical of the Arroyo administration have been taken off the air by their home station, rival network ABS-CBN’s “TV Patrol” news programme reported on 18 January 2007. “Dokyu” and “Frontlines”, two public affairs programs of network ABC 5 known for their critical commentaries on the Arroyo administration, […]
In face of legal challenge, journalists defend right to sue president’s husband for violating press freedom
(CMFR/IFEX) – The journalists suing First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo for abuse of right and for violating their right to the free exercise of their profession, shrugged off Arroyo’s motion to dismiss their complaint, and maintained that their suit is meant to defend press freedom and democracy against Arroyo’s efforts to undermine both. Speaking through […]
Media lawyer and family receive death threats
(CMFR/IFEX) – Lawyer Harry Roque, who is handling the class action suit of Filipino journalists against the president’s husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, received several threatening text messages and a threatening telephone call on 3 January 2007. Roque received the phone call at about 10:00 a.m. (local time) from someone identifying himself as “Jun Santos”, warning […]
Reporter arrested and released on bail in libel case
(CMFR/IFEX) – A reporter in Pampanga, a province 80 kilometres north of Manila, was arrested on 19 December 2006 for alleged libel. Dante Fabian, a senior reporter for “Sun.Star Pampanga”, was arrested in Pulung village in Maragul district, Angeles City, Pampanga, based on a libel complaint filed by Pampanga Rep. Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno on 3 […]
Journalists, media organisations file class action suit against president’s husband for his legal intimidation of media personnel
(CMFR/IFEX) – The following is a 28 December 2006 CMFR press release: FIGHTING BACK More than half of the 45 reporters, columnists, editors and publishers the First Gentleman, Jose Miguel Arroyo, has sued for libel are filing a civil class action suit against him today, December 28. Because the suit is being filed on behalf […]
Charged with defaming president’s husband, journalists post bail to pre-empt arrest warrants
(CMFR/IFEX) – Five journalists posted bail at the Regional Trial Court of the Manila City Hall on 14 December 2006 following the approval of the filing in court of libel charges against them by Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The journalists were sued in connection with an article that appeared […]
Former journalist’s killing not related to past work, says widow
(CMFR/IFEX) – Two gunmen on a motorcycle killed and robbed a former radio and newspaper reporter on 7 December 2006 in his farm in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, a province north of Manila. Ponciano Grande, who had worked for “The Recorder” and “The Nueva Ecija Times”, died from five bullet wounds fired from a .45-caliber […]