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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider On World Press Freedom Day, Duterte urges mass media to uphold truth, fairness

On World Press Freedom Day, Duterte urges mass media to uphold truth, fairness

Published May 3, 2021 10:10 am

President Duterte has vowed to protect press freedom but also appealed to media practitioners to uphold truth, fairness, accuracy, and transparency.

President Rodrigo Duterte (Malacañang)

On the observance of World Press Freedom Day Monday, May 3, the President recognized the vital role of a "free and responsible press" in the advancement of society.

"I join the Filipino people and the international community in the annual observance of the World Press Freedom Day. This year's celebration affirms the Philippines' commitment to protect press freedom as a public good and as an indispensable requirement of a vibrant democracy," he said in a taped message.

"Cognizant of the ever-changing communication systems these days, may mass media also uphold fairness and transparency while also making a positive impact on the people's lives," he added.

In a separate written message on World Press Freedom Day, the President reminded both traditional and emerging media to show a "stronger" resolve in "upholding truth and accuracy." He noted that this has become a requirement amid the rapid dissemination of information in the digital age.

Duterte, at the same time, said the press must be protected "from all forms of threats and intimidation" so they can serve the best interest of the people. He then renewed his commitment to promote the freedom of the press as well as their safety of the "messenger."

"Let me assure everyone that this administration will remain committed in promoting press freedom as a vital component and indicator of progress anywhere in the world," he said.

"Let us continue to use the power of communication for our collective efforts in nation-building and ensure the integrity and safety of the press. Together, let us nurture a better-informed citizenry and really a brighter future for everyone," he added.

The Philippines recently fell two places to 138th out of 180 economies in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index in the wake of the alleged red-tagging of and attacks against local media. The report was released by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders.

In the report, the Philippines obtained a global score of 45.64 in 2020. The drop in the country's score was attributed to the government's alleged harassment campaign against Rappler, the Congress' rejection of ABS-CBN's franchise, red-tagging, and online harassment campaigns by pro-Duterte troll armies.

The Palace however has brushed aside the supposed insignificant two-point drop in the country's press freedom ranking.

Related Tags

President Duterte press freedom fairness World Press Freedom Day accuracy Philippines truth
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