President Duterte has signed into law declaring every 30th of August the "National Press Freedom Day."
According to the Republic Act. 11699, signed by Duterte on Apr. 13 and was obtained by the media on Apr. 27, August 30 of every year is declared as such in honor of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, the father of Philippine Journalism.
It will be a working holiday.
To ensure the "meaningful observance" of the National Press Freedom Day, the law stated that, all government agencies, the military, the police and the local government units as well as private sector "shall afford sufficient time and opportunity for their employees to engage and participate in any related activity to be conducted in the premises of their respective offices or establishments."
Meanwhile, the law added, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority shall consult with the Office of the President and public and private media organizations to lead the public and private consults in organizing consciousness-rising activities on the importance of the press and its rights and responsibilities.