Martin Romualdez makes pitch for press freedom

Leyte representative Martin Romualdez ARIES JOSEPH HEGINA/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Senatorial candidate and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez promised to strengthen the press shield law by introducing harsher penalties for crimes committed against journalists.

Speaking at the 67th induction program of the Pampanga Press Club on Wednesday here, Romualdez said, “I stand firmly behind the protection of the freedom of the press aimed at the promotion of the free flow of ideas and information to encourage intelligent discourse among the people.”

The press shield law, also known as Sotto law of 1946 (Republic Act No. 53), guarantees the right of the publisher, editor or reporter to conceal the source of published news or information obtained in confidence. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon