Malacañang said the Philippines’ improved global press freedom ranking proves that the administration does not seek to suppress free expression or move toward authoritarianism.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked the Philippines 116th out of 180 countries in its latest World Press Freedom Index, its highest placement in 21 years.

In her press briefing on Monday, May 5, Castro said the ranking showed that the Marcos administration is not gearing toward dictatorship, as claimed by some of the President's critics.

"It shows that the President respects one’s rights of expression and the responsible journalism," she said.

"Ito po ay maganda po na naipapakita ng Pangulo na the President is not gearing towards dictatorship. Malaya po ang pamamahayag na nakikita po natin sa kasalukuyan (It’s good because it shows that the President is is not leaning toward dictatorship. Our press right now is free)," she added.

RSF attributed the country's improved standing to "boosted efforts to address media-related threats and attacks," noting a decrease in killings and harassment of journalists in the past year.

However, the organization cautioned that "harassment by means of threats and 'red-tagging' persists, while defamation and cyber-defamation are still punishable by prison sentences."

Asked about the administration’s plans to ensure lasting protection for media workers, Castro cited a previous public commitment from Marcos himself.

"We are doubling down on our commitment to protect our journalists and to uphold press freedom. We stand with you hand-in-hand in this fight," she said, citing Marcos' speech in 2024.

"Paiigtingin pa po ng ating Pangulo, ng administrasyon ang Kalayaan sa pamamahayag, asahan ninyo po iyan (The President and this administration will continue to strengthen freedom of the press. You can count on that)," she added.

RSF’s index evaluates countries based on pluralism, media independence, legal framework, safety of journalists, and overall environment.

In its report for the Philippines, the RSF noted that Philippine media are "extremely dynamic despite the government’s targeted attacks and constant harassment of journalists and media outlets regarded as overly critical, especially since 2016, when Rodrigo Duterte became president."