Aquino, Gatchalian want Aug 30 declared as Press Freedom Day

Two senators have proposed that August 30 of every year be declared as “National Responsible Press Freedom Day” to show that the country recognizes and respects freedom of the press as mandated in the Constitution.

Senators Bam Aquino and Win Gatchalian recently filed their respective bills on the matter and both have chosen the birth date of the so-called father of Philippine Journalism and one of the nation’s heroes, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, as an apt observation of press freedom day in the country.

In a statement released Friday, Gatchalian stressed that the constitutionally-guaranteed provision on press freedom in Section 4, Article 3 of the Bill of Rights, not only includes the right to speak and write but also the right to be protected from threats, intimidation, and violence.

“If favorably passed into law, it will remind us of the patriotic deeds of Del Pilar and inspire people to emulate his example of selfless service, exceptional courage and leadership that gave hope to our Motherland during a critical time in our country’s history,” Gatchalian said.

For his part, Aquino said such declaration will serve as a “reminder for all of us that in times of repression, one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal is our voice, as proven by his example.”

“A fearless, free and objective press is especially important during these times fraught with alternative facts and misinformation,” Aquino said.

Both Aquino and Gatchalian, in filing Senate Bill Nos. 2040 and 2042, respectively, were in unison in recognizing Del Pilar as the embodiment of press freedom in the country.  /kga