How the anti-disinformation bill poses a danger to press freedom

On June 3, 2026, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 9465, also known as the Digital Media Anti-False Information Act, with a vote of 286-3. Principally authored by House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, the president’s eldest son, the bill was designated as a top priority for the administration....

The meaning of “forthwith” in impeachment cases

THE SUPREME Court released its ruling to define a key term in the Constitutional provision on impeachment, interpreting the word “forthwith” to mean “within a reasonable time, which may be longer or shorter, depending on the circumstances of each case.”

Philippine Women Journalists in Numbers

Sexist remarks reveal enduring misogyny in government

IN EARLY March 2026, a series of sexist remarks by public figures drew attention during Women’s Month. Over the course of several days, House, Senate, and legal forums saw officials and public figures make comments that were widely criticized as offensive toward women. Among those involved were Deputy Minority...

A review of the Cabral case: What the news revealed, what remains unknown

MARIA CATALINA “Cathy” Cabral, Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary had become a familiar face in the media coverage of the alleged anomalies connected to flood control infrastructure in September 2025. Media coverage identified Cabral as a crucial figure in the investigations, presenting the singular role...

Update on Free TV News and Current Affairs Channels in the Philippines

THE FREE-TV news landscape in the Philippines remains dynamic, constituting a mix of long-standing commercial networks, state broadcasters, religious-owned channels, and a growing number of blocktimed programs and digital entrants. The continuing shift to digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) has given more Filipinos access to a richer diversity of...

Protests in the Philippines: Nepal and Indonesia’s Uprisings Linked to a Philippine Legacy

RECENT PROTESTS in Nepal and Indonesia have sparked a pressing question for the Philippines: Are the corruption scandals over the flood control projects taking the country to the brink of a mass uprising?

Journalism Under Fire: Two cases show media accused of “spin” and paid PR

IN AUGUST 2025, both Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and Leyte Rep. Richard “Goma” Gomez clashed with the press — with Sotto accusing broadcasters of paid PR and Gomez claiming reporters were paid to seek his side. Different charges, both showing how easily journalism’s credibility can be compromised or attacked.

Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial: Delayed by design

THE IMPEACHMENT of Vice President Sara Duterte is the first in Philippine history. The House of Representatives impeached the second highest official of the land on the grounds of “betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption and other high crimes.” 

Shabu at sea: Rising pattern calls for media attention and scrutiny

IN RECENT weeks, The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law government agencies have picked up large quantities of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) from coastal waters and beaches in several provinces, raising serious concerns about a maritime-based drug trafficking network operating in the country.