The Philippine media has remained hostile under yet another Marcos. Truth be told, it has never been better for journalists, truth-tellers, and advocates.
This year, we observe World Press Freedom Day upon bringing out the voices of the underrepresented and marginalized especially in championing our fundamental rights.
As the world tends to become an increasingly crucial environment to inhabit due to a jeopardized sustainability, it is imperative that we highlight stories of significance and impact to communities that are most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of loss of livelihood, land tenure issues, measly wages, and other challenges to the humanity.
But while reporting on these, we too are subjected to such hot pursuits. Situations like those faced by environmental defenders and activists Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo De Jesus in Cordillera, Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano in Bataan, Eco Dangla and Jak Tiong in Pangasinan, and Paco Perez in Metro Manila also pose risks to safety and security journalists who can be vilified at the expense of their commitment to uncovering the truth.
In fact, our colleagues Frenchie Mae Cumpio who also reported the effects of the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda has been languishing behind bars in Tacloban jail for four years; and Gerry Ortega who was killed for his involvement in advocacy campaigns including opposition to mining projects in Palawan, have yet to attain justice.
We emphasize that everyone plays a key role in contributing to a free press in society. Especially with regard to the theme for this year’s commemoration: “A Press for the Planet”, how we set our vision for the future of media revolves on striving to attain people’s human rights through empowered and critical reportage.
Ultimately, we press or push back against any forms of repression and suppression; thus standing firming for freedom that requires a free press.
