NOT even an assurance coming from no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself doesn’t seem enough guarantee that media workers could live another day for writing discerning articles.
As the country marked the National Press Freedom Day last Sunday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for stronger safeguards for the Filipino journalists.
“Press freedom in the Philippines continues to face serious challenges,” reads part of the CHR statement.
“The lack of accountability for crimes against media workers perpetuates a dangerous cycle of impunity,” says the commission amid calls to ensure swift justice for victims and their families.
Among the threats enumerated by the CHR include red-tagging, vilification, intimidation and the government failure to fully implement the public’s right to information.
SLAIN JOURNALISTS
Interestingly, the CHR however made no mention about the physical harm — in some instances, death among the Filipino journalists.
Since 1986, over 190 journalists and media workers have been killed in the Philippines due to the country’s high levels of media violence and impunity.
Under the Marcos administration, the CHR has recorded four incidents of media killings — hard-hitting broadcast journalist Percy Lapid, broadcaster Juan Jumalon, Cresenciano Bunduquin, and Renato Blanco.
Under the Duterte administration, the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recorded 20 killings, including Reuters drug war contributor Jesus “Jess” Malabanan, Larry Que, and Dennis Denora.
During the Noynoy Aquino presidency, 32 journalists were slain.
The most devastating media attack happened during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo — 32 media practitioners were killed in just a single day in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009
FREEDOM INDEX
Under the 2026 World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders, the Philippines ranked 114th, representing a slight improvement from the 116th in the previous year.
Press freedom index measures the degree of freedom enjoyed by journalists, news organizations and netizens in 180 countries and the efforts made by authorities to respect this freedom.
The Reporters Without Borders, however, noted that despite its extremely dynamic media landscape, the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. It cited the Maguindanao massacre in 2009, which left 32 journalists and media workers dead — in just a single day.
SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) for its part said that “continuous vigilance and action” is needed in defending press freedom amid threats.
While noting that its efforts have contributed to improved international press freedom rankings and stronger mechanisms for responding to threats against media, it also acknowledged that journalists continue to face challenges, including violence.
The task force called on the public to recognize the vital role of journalists in democracy.
LEGAL HARASSMENT
While the CHR acknowledged the “slight improvement” in the world press freedom ranking, it also renewed its recommendation for the Philippine Congress to pass a law that would penalize red-tagging if only to strengthen mechanisms aimed at protecting media workers.
The CHR likewise reiterated its call to decriminalize libel and cyberlibel, saying journalists should work free from criminal prosecution and undue restrictions.
“Beyond protection mechanisms, laws and policies must foster an environment where journalism can flourish without fear of criminalization or undue restriction,” it said.
The CHR also warned of artificial intelligence and digital technologies being used to surveil journalists, expose sources, suppress dissent and spread disinformation.
“When journalists are silenced, people lose information necessary to make informed decisions, participate meaningfully in public life, and hold institutions accountable.”
