By Ben Rosario As Filipino journalists observe World Press Freedom Day on May 3 (Sunday), the Duterte administration reiterated its commitment to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of speech and of the press. Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Secutrity (PTFoMS) Joel Sy Egco
(TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Executive Director Joel Sy Egco of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said the creation of the agency alone is already an indication of the Duterte administration’s sincerity to this commitment. PTFoMS is the only agency in the world to be created with the principal objective of upholding the welfare of Filipino journalists and media workers and protecting them against violence, harassment, and other acts that threaten their exercise of press freedom. Egco disclosed that Duterte has declared it a matter of national policy to identify and prevent any form of threat, violence, or abuse of authority against the so-called Fourth Estate. Egco and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, PTFoMS co-chairman, lauded Filipino journalists for their contributions to helping the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. “The government extends its utmost gratitude to our brave men and women of the Philippine media who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Filipino people against the pandemic. You truly are heroes in the war against COVID-19,” Andanar said. Andanar and Egco said that in the spirit of "bayanihan” (collective cooperation), media practitioners have even taken the time to help their comrades through various relief operations conducted nationwide for the benefit of media workers and their families, made possible through the cooperation of the National Press Club and other media organizations with the government. Both Andanar and Egco are veteran journalists. Egco said Duterte has specifically tasked the PTFoMS to pursue programs that will protect Filipino journalists as they face threats of violence, especially in the regions. “Nothing, not even a pandemic, can stop the administration from fulfilling its mandate the lives, liberty, and security of media workers. No amount of destructive narrative against President Duterte and the government can deny the fact that we have proven effective in addressing threats against the media,” Egco said. Through PTFoMS, the government will continue to be relentless and proactive in its drive to protect the lives and liberty of Filipino media workers and ensure their economic well-being and security, Egco said. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 3 World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and protect journalists in their respective countries.