CHR says role of media as fourth estate vital to uphold democracy

This photo taken on June 8, 2021, shows the facade of the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Amid recent job layoffs in various media outlets across the country, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday reiterated its support for media workers, emphasizing their vital role as the fourth estate in upholding democracy and accountability.

In a statement, the CHR underscored that the media plays a critical role in safeguarding every Filipino’s access to information and freedom of expression, despite the persistent challenges faced by the sector.

“In a time rampant with misinformation and disinformation, the CHR believes that the role of the media remains crucial in disseminating authentic news and covering the real events in the country,” the CHR’s statement read.

This statement came in response to the layoffs announced by ABS-CBN Corporation in October 2024.

“TV industry as a whole has been hurt by lower consumer spending which translated into lower advertising spends,” ABS-CBN said in their statement.

Thus, it has “made the difficult decision to retrench around 100 or about 3 percent of its workforce.”

“These layoffs represent a portion of the job cuts forced upon the media giant due to the House of Representatives’ 2020 decision to deny ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal,” the CHR said on Tuesday.

It further emphasized that the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which “lacked fairness and justice”, has inevitably cast a chilling effect on press freedom in the country.

READ: ABS-CBN’s ordeal and its ‘chilling effect’ on media

The commission likewise pointed to the shutdown of CNN Philippines in January this year due to financial losses, which displaced approximately 300 employees – another blow to the already struggling media sector.

“It is evident that the severe challenges faced by media outlets have not only weakened the foundations of our democracy—a system reliant on free and truthful reporting—but have also been detrimental to the journalists dedicated to upholding these principles,” the CHR stated.

READ: CNN Philippines ceases operations on Jan 31

In light of these layoffs, the CHR reminded employees of their right to transparency from their companies’ management and urged organizations to provide ample assistance and benefits to retrenched employees.

“Now more than ever, we must balance the recognition that journalism is a vital public service with the understanding that media outlets also operate as businesses,” the CHR said.

READ: NUJP laments layoffs at ABS-CBN: Media job cuts ‘impair discourse’

It also pointed out that with the 2025 midterm elections approaching, timely and credible information is crucial in empowering Filipinos to make informed decisions and choose competent public servants.

“We cannot uphold a firm standard of truth in the country if journalists are unable to carry out their duties. Just as the media has consistently played its valuable role in shaping communities and societies, it is now imperative that we equally ensure the protection of their rights as workers and as bastions of truth,” the commission stated.