Palace rejects CPJ statement

MANILA, Philippines — The Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) statement that there is “shrinking space for free press” in the Philippines is a hasty generalization, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo rejected the New York-based media advocacy group’s expression of alarm over the “oppressive” working environment for journalists in the Philippines.

The CPJ cited the cases filed against Rappler and its executive editor Maria Ressa.

“The expression of sympathy of [CPJ] to the plight of Ms. Ressa, noting the alleged oppressive working environment for journalists is alarming …  is a generalization that has no basis in fact nor in law,” Panelo said. —Leila B. Salaverria