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In this timeline, Bulatlat enumerates all attempts to curtail free speech and press freedom since the country is placed under the enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic until before President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address.
A journalist based in Hong Kong who writes for a leading international magazine sent these questions on press freedom under the Duterte administration. Please allow me to share the short answers.
It comes as no surprise that the current lockdown has become a de facto crackdown for some of those who dare speak up against the government.
“This is a marching order for law enforcement authorities to use their weapon against the people unlawfully and without basis.”
“May we point out that the responsibility of the PCOO nor the PIA is government communication and information dissemination, not media accreditation and, certainly, not regulation.”
"The Duterte administration utilizes 'fake news' as a tool to silence dissent by spreading lies using an army of trolls, to present ‘alternative facts’ and justify the repressive policies and programs of the government."
While we acknowledge the need to fight disinformation in this time of crisis, we fear the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act will only end up criminalizing free speech. We assert that the best way to fight disinformation is through education and the truth.
Ending impunity entails collective action and the resolve to change the oppressive social system that engenders culture of impunity. We're definitely not there yet but there are efforts to do so. There is no clear timeline as to when this can be achieved as it depends largely on the victory of the people's movement, not just the journalists and news media organizations acting as a small sector.
“TAG expresses its strong disappointment at this lousy treatment of the network’s talents, our colleagues, the network’s biggest assets, and yet, these are the very same people with no hazard pay nor allowance during these times.”
Amid our continuing coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bulatlat denounces the discrimination against the alternative media perpetuated by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF)
“Instead of imposing unnecessary requirements, we expect government to provide an atmosphere conducive to press freedom.”
"We are aware that we need to contribute to the resolution of this emergency and we can do it best by doing our jobs as journalists."
Frenchie also exposed the terror caused by military encampment in 167 communities in the region under the guise of “community support program.”
“While the current law makes it optional to make journalists witnesses, many times, threats to exclude them from coverage or from receiving tips have forced them to do so.”
The CA ruled that the 15 “are not guilty of gross and habitual neglect of duty under the Labor Code.”
Members of Altermidya Panay have been joining protests denouncing attacks on fellow media colleagues. They have called for the release of Eastern Vista Executive Director Frenchie Mae Cumpio and supported the campaign for franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.
“Resistance is not futile, but vital to preserving democracy.”
A global organization of community radio broadcasters demanded the release of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a journalist who was among those arrested in a series of simultaneous raid of offices of progressive groups in Tacloban City.
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