Today (May 3, 2019) is World Press Freedom Day.
As we mark this day, we note that, more than any administration since the unlamented Marcos dictatorship, never have freedom of the press and of expression been under siege as during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.
Never has any president, Marcos included, openly spearheaded the attacks and vilification of media. We have also seen how he and his minions wield the lie as a weapon against the profession of truth.
With his latest antic, the totally false and inane “ouster matrix,” Duterte has upped the ante and signaled that he will go to absurd lengths to stifle the independent and critical media.
It is sad that he does so with the help of the venal and corrupted within the profession.
On this day, let us, the community of independent and critical Filipino journalists, reflect on our role in the preservation and advancement of democracy, and rededicate ourselves to defending our rights and liberties that we may continue serving our people’s right to know.
Let us take courage in the knowledge that no matter how despots strive to stifle freedom of expression and thought, the media, the truth, the people, will outlive them.
MABUHAY ANG MALAYANG PAMAMAHAYAG!
MABUHAY ANG MALAYANG MAMAMAHAYAG!
MABUHAY ANG BAYAN AT SAMBAYANAN!
National Directorate
Hotline: +639175155991
