Groups hit by NTC order to block websites may get legal remedies — Palace

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered internet service providers to block several websites, including those of independent media, “found to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorist and terrorist organizations.”

MANILA, Philippines — Groups affected by the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block websites, including those of independent media, that are “affiliated to and are supporting terrorist and terrorist organizations” have legal remedies available to them, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said the NTC order was based on the National Security Council (NSC) request, which only performs its mandate.

“The recent move of the NTC to block certain websites is upon the request of the National Security Council in performance of its mandate,” he said in a statement.

“Legal remedies are available to any party, including online media outfit Bulatlat, affected by its action,” Andanar added.

Among the websites, NSC requests to be blocked are the website of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.

The list also includes websites of progressive groups and independent media such as Bulatlat.

Several groups and alternative media organizations have condemned the order, saying the move “sets a dangerous precedent for independent journalism in the Philippines.”

Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr. called the move a “blatant attack on free speech.”

/MUF/abc