MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will veto the right to reply bill if it contains provisions that curtail freedom of the press, her spokesman said.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said Arroyo, as “protector of the Constitution,” would not allow the enactment of any law that would violate press freedom.

“Of course, because the President will always protect the Constitution,” Golez told a news conference, when asked if Arroyo would veto the measure should it violate freedoms enshrined in the Charter.

“If it curtails any press freedom, then, it will never get the support of the Palace,” he said.

Media organizations are outraged over the right to reply bill, which seeks to require the publication or airing of the reply of anyone offended or who feels alluded to by an article or commentary.