(PIA-NCR file)
MANILA, (PIA) — The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), led by Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, on Friday expressed its commitment to upholding press freedom on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3.
In a social media post, the PCO emphasized the importance of taking steps to ensure a safe environment for media workers in the Philippines.
“On World Press Freedom Day, let us strengthen measures to make our society safe for our media workers,” the PCO said in Filipino.
The statement comes amid ongoing concerns over the safety and protection of journalists, especially those covering sensitive issues or working in conflict-ridden areas of the country.
This year’s theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” highlights the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.
Press freedom advocates and media watchdog organizations have repeatedly called on the government to address threats, harassment, and violence faced by members of the press, which hamper their ability to perform their crucial role in a democratic society.
World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, serves as an annual reminder of the fundamental principles of press freedom and the need to defend the rights of journalists worldwide.
This year’s global theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights,” highlights the interconnectedness of freedom of expression and the realization of other human rights.
The PCO’s statement aligns with the Marcos administration’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom and creating an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their duties without fear or favor.
However, challenges persist, and stakeholders continue to urge authorities to take concrete steps to address issues such as threats, legal harassments, and impunity for crimes against media workers.
As the Philippines commemorates World Press Freedom Day, the PCO’s message underscores the need for collective efforts to protect and promote the fundamental right to freedom of expression and a free and independent press. (PIA-NCR)
