Pinoy Weekly
Pinoy Weekly welcomes the initial findings and recommendations of United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan on her recently concluded official visit to the Philippines.
Khan expressed during her exit press conference that the blocking of websites of alternative media outfits, including Pinoy Weekly and Bulatlat, is “a direct form of censorship.” Additionally, Khan underscored the red-tagging of journalists and activists which gives a chilling effect and violates the people’s right to free expression.
As an alternative media outfit amplifying the voice of the marginalized Pinoy, we have been subjected to various attacks from state agents, such as red-tagging, cyberattacks, and confiscation and burning of copies of our newspaper.
Restricting access to our website stifles press freedom and the people’s right to information. A healthy democracy is where voices are heard and the people are free to express dissent without any fear of government retaliation.
We demand the National Telecommunications Commission to immediately heed the recommendation of the UN Special Rapporteur and revoke the memorandum dated June 8, 2022, at the behest of former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., to block 27 websites of progressive organizations and alternative media.
While it is our duty to tell the stories of the people truthfully and accurately, it is the duty of the government to prove to the international community that it is committed to protecting the rights and liberties of its people. #
Reference:
Marc Lino J. Abila
[email protected]
