The Philippine government welcomed the latest state of press freedom report released by UNESCO that says the country has taken “positive steps” in protecting journalists.
“This is a validation of the tangible efforts of the government through the [Presidential Task Force on Media Security] in protecting media workers in the country amid the pandemic,” said Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.
“Rest assured that the Duterte administration will always uphold press freedom, especially in the upcoming elections,” said the government official.
UNESCO’s 2021-2022 “World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Global Report” cited the Philippines as among the very few countries in the world that have undertaken “good practices and positive measures” in the safety of journalists.
In a statement, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, PTFoMS executive director, welcomed the “comprehensive and impartial report as proof of the real commitment of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to safeguard press freedom.”
Egco said that the UNESCO report took note of the “concrete measures” undertaken by the Duterte administration, such as “establishing and implementing stronger protection, prosecution, prevention, and reporting measures to enhance the safety of journalists.”
The report also cited the establishment by the Philippine government of “a special task force for the safety of journalists.” It said that with the creation of the body, there is now a “special reporting mechanisms for journalists, such as hotlines.”
