The Altermidya Network has expressed serious concerns about the state of press freedom in the Philippines, emphasizing that journalists across the country continue to face significant threats, despite a change in rhetoric from the current administration.
In a statement released on National Press Freedom Day, the network asserted, “The tone may have changed, but the press freedom landscape remains virtually unaltered: In the Philippines, journalists remain under attack for reporting the truth; the people’s right to know remains vastly curtailed; and the practice of journalism remains a dangerous act.”
The network pointed to a recent confrontation between police and members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in Davao City as an example of the ongoing risks.
During the incident, journalists covering the event were subjected to harassment and physical violence, illustrating the hazardous conditions under which they operate.
Altermidya highlighted this as part of a broader trend of increasing hostility toward the media, which persists despite the government’s softer public approach.
Altermidya also criticized the misuse of legal mechanisms intended to silence critical reporting. The network pointed out that laws such as libel and anti-terrorism legislation are being exploited not just for litigation but as tools of intimidation, effectively suppressing free speech and press freedom across the country.
The continued blocking of critical media websites, including alternative news outlets like Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly, was another issue raised by Altermidya.
The network described this action as a blatant violation of constitutional rights, arguing that it exemplifies the government’s strategy of targeting the messengers of dissent rather than addressing the issues raised by their reporting.
The plight of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a community journalist from Eastern Visayas who remains incarcerated on charges that Altermidya considers questionable, was also highlighted.
Cumpio’s detention has severely disrupted the flow of critical stories from the region and has impacted the operations of the regional alternative media she was involved with.
Altermidya emphasized that the Philippines continues to rank among the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.
They noted that in the two years since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office, numerous press freedom violations have been recorded, including the murders of journalists such as Rey Blanco, Percy Lapid, Cresenciano Bunduquin, and Juan Jumalon.
These killings, according to Altermidya, are a critical test of the government’s willingness to address impunity in media killings.
The network also addressed the visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Irene Khan, noting that despite her recommendations for safeguarding press freedom and human rights, there has been little progress.
Altermidya argued that the lack of implementation of these recommendations reveals the administration’s lack of commitment to genuinely protecting human rights and press freedom.
Altermidya called for decisive actions to protect press freedom and to dismantle the oppressive structures that continue to stifle free speech in the Philippines.
The network reiterated its dedication to supporting a free and fearless press, urging that this day be marked by commitments to securing a future where journalists and citizens alike can speak out without fear of retribution.
