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Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Speak out: Press freedom
By Freedom fund for filipino journalists
A month after the lifting of Proclamation 1017, journalists in the Philippines still have reason to worry; especially, those inclined to take a more critical look at the government, investigating issues and events that some politicians would rather keep hidden.
Last week, Probe, the much-awarded and highly respected television production company, received a warning from the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) for airing an interview with First Lt. Sonny Sarmiento.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez reportedly ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the possible liability of the show and its producers for airing the interview. 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.”
Only a few weeks ago, a private individual previously linked to the President’s chief of staff, applied for a warrant to search the offices of another independent news organization, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
Thin line
There are other incidents, of course. But, the pressure exerted on these two organizations indicates a concern that has little to do with encouraging rebellion.
In observing May 3, World Press Freedom Day, members of the press call on the public to examine the situation and the dangers of press censorship. There is a thin line between legitimate complaint against irresponsible journalism and intolerance for scrutiny and public evaluation.
As a nation that had previously endured 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 in community press. In 2005 alone, seven journalists had been killed and no one has been jailed for it.
Former president 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.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (May 2, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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