Press Freedom Protection Archives | Page 56 of 76

Reporting year one of the Aquino administration

SWEPT TO power in 2010 by a majority unprecedented in the country’s history, President Benigno Aquino III started his inaugural speech with the statement to the people that “Kayo ang boss ko. (You are my bosses)”. While that statement and his background as the son of the country’s first...

Press freedom in Aquino’s first year: Unfulfilled promises and fading hopes

HIS SUPPOSED commitment to free expression and a free press was part of then Sen. Benigno Aquino III’s announced platform during his campaign for the Philippine presidency. Aquino promised to support and protect the free press, stop the killing of journalists (a widow of an Ampatuan massacre victim even...

Palace draft of freedom of info bill: Focus on restrictions?

A scan of the initial draft of the Aquino administration’s Freedom of Information (FOI) bill reveals a focus on restricting rather than enhancing the right to information. The administration bill expands the list of information exempt from public disclosure, and through that alone already restricts the right to information.

Broadcaster shot dead in southern Philippines

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A radio broadcaster was gunned down by two unidentified gunmen last 22 August 2011 in Enrique B. Magalona town, Negros Occidental. Negros Occidental is approximately 467 kilometers south of Manila. Niel “Lito” Jimena died at the Teresita Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City from five gunshot wounds. The...

Libel against editor and publisher dismissed

CMFR/PHILIPPINES - The Baguio City Regional Trial Court dismissed the libel case against the Baguio Midland Courier editor in chief Cecil Afable and publisher Charles Hamada last 1 August 2011. In a 13-page decision, Branch 61 Judge Antonio C. Reyes acquitted Afable and Hamada for the libel charges after the...

Newsbreak editor and staff members face libel suit arraignment

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – The editor in chief and four other members of the Manila-based Newsbreak magazine have been summoned for arraignment by an Ilocos Sur court in connection to a libel case filed by a governor of the province.

Freedom of Information Policy Forum

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility with a grant from the National Endowment for Democracy invites you to a policy forum on the Freedom of Information.

Another Mindanao broadcaster receives threats

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A radio broadcaster in Cagayan de Oro City has been receiving threatening text messages (SMS) and calls since 14 July 2011. Cagayan de Oro City is approximately 789 kilometers south of Manila. The latest threat, Ronnie Waniwan, anchor and program director of dxCO Radyo Asenso, told the...

Impunity Update

THE INTERNATIONAL Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) designated Nov. 23 as the International Day to End Impunity during its biannual General Meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, from May 30 to June 3, 2011. IFEX is a network of more than 90 press freedom advocates’ and human rights...

Kidapawan City radio commentator threatened

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A Kidapawan City radio commentator received a threat for his commentary on the arrest of a murder suspect last 27 June 2011. Kidapawan City is the capital of North Cotabato, a province approximately 956 kilometers south of Manila.