A United Nations (UN) special rapporteur had a "very positive impression" of the vibrancy of the Philippine media as she visited Manila to check on the country's state of rights to freedom of opinion and expression, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Thursday, Jan. 25.
Irene Khan, UN rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, was briefed about various "dimensions of the Philippine media landscape, focusing on constitutionally protected freedom of expression and our unwavering commitment to sustain democratic order," DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs Charles Jose said.
Jose, along with DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza and DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela, sat down with Khan on Thursday, her third day in the country, to "delve deep into the vast landscape" of the country's freedom of expression.
"It provided an opportunity for me to highlight our country's standing as a global leader in human rights, particularly in upholding freedom of expression," Jose said.
"I impressed upon Ms. Khan that our vibrant democracy has created an open and enabling civic and media space, with over 2,000 private media outlets contributing significantly to the democratic discourse," he added.
Noting Khan's positive impression about the status of the Philippine media, Jose said their meeting with the rapporteur would set the stage for her to "appreciate the brand of democracy possessed by the Philippines, as the oldest democratic republic in Asia, especially through our vibrant media landscape and civic space."
"Ms. Khan was gracious in recognizing the Philippines' deep commitment to fostering an environment where diverse opinions are valued and expressions are protected," he added.
Khan arrived in Manila on Jan. 22 for an official visit upon the invitation of the government. She will be in the country until Feb. 2 for a series of activities, which includes a trip around Metro Manila and to Baguio and Cebu cities.
During her trip, she will explore legal and policy frameworks related to the safety of journalists and their sources, freedom of opinion and expression in the digital age, media freedom, access to information, disinformation, hate speech, and the expression of marginalized individuals, including indigenous peoples, the DFA said.
"At the end of her visit, SR Khan is expected to come up with a final report to be considered during the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025," it added.