PH RANKS FALLS IN WORLD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX

The Philippines' position in the World Press Freedom Index dropped this year, according to the Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) group, the Philippines fell to 134th place out of 180 countries that recognize Press Freedom. RSF released the Press Freedom Index yesterday in celebration of World Press Freedom Day.

Philippines ranks dropping in world press freedom (Photo courtesy of Jam Sta. Rosa/Philippine Star)

The group further said that the law does not protect Journalists Freedom even though it is stated in the 1987 Constitution. The report referred to the pending Cyberlibel case against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and the four-year imprisonment of Frenchie Mae Cumpio of Alter Media due to the case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Compared to the first 22 months under Duterte’s terms with the same of Marcos’ presidency, more attacks and threats against journalists took place based on the incidents monitored by the Center for media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

According to the CFMR and NUJP, from July 2022 to April 30, 2024, at least 135 incidents of attacks and threats against media workers took place, where more than a third of which (50) were allegedly perpetrated by state agents.  

“Since Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. the son of former dictator and historic press freedom predator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. became president in June 2022, there seem to have been fewer and less violent attacks of this kind, but they are still worrisome. Harassment by means of threats and ‘red-tagging’ persists, while defamation and cyber-defamation are still punishable by prison sentences,” it said in the report.

The country dropped it spots after losing points across political, economic, legislative, and social indicators.

Underscored the role of journalists in a democracy and the many challenges it face both as individuals and as organizations, “We rely on them to continue being the stalwarts of truth and transparency. As the fourth pillar of our democracy, their words serve as our strongest defense against misinformation and fake news. Now, more than ever, their commitment to their work is crucial,” President Marcos said  in a post.

Source: Philippine Star 

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