Palace vows to work for protection of press freedom, promote free media in PH

Press Freedom. Stock Image / INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang promised on Thursday “to work towards ensuring the freedom of the press is protected and respected” in the Philippines as it denounced attacks on the media and acknowledged the dangers that journalists face.

“We condemn all attacks on press freedom and call for the protection of journalists and media workers worldwide,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement released a day after World Press Freedom Day. “The PCO reaffirms the government’s commitment to promoting a free media environment where journalists can work safely without fear of reprisals.”

It said that the administration recognizes the media’s role in upholding democracy, transparency, and human rights.

“We believe that a vibrant and independent press is crucial for a healthy democracy, and we will continue to work towards ensuring the freedom of the press is protected and respected in our country.”

The PCO also said it acknowledges “the threats, intimidation, harassment, violence and other challenges that journalists and media organizations face in fulfilling their essential role.” It did not specify any case or further elaborate.

Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility executive director Melinda Quintos de Jesus recently noted less hostility against the media under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. compared with the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: Despite gains, PH still ‘difficult’ place for press

But she also cautioned that “there has been no real, visible action to prevent the kinds of attacks that made Duterte’s regime as dark as it has ever been for the media.”

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