Bill on Press Freedom Day passes committee level

QUEZON CITY - The House Committee on Public Information has approved House Bill 3701, which seeks to declare November 23 as Philippine Press Freedom Day.

The bill was authored by AKO Bicol Party List (AKB) representatives Christopher Co, Rodel Batocabe and Alfredo Garbin, Jr.

“We are marking the date of November 23 as a date of tragedy and mindless killing of our journalists,” said Rep. Rodel Batocabe, referring to the Maguindanao massacre, generally regarded as one of the most gruesome mass murder of journalists in the world.

“While we are considered to have the freest press in Asia, we are also bombarded with numbers of murdered and disappearing journalists,” Rep. Garbin added. “The Maguindanao massacre is and continues to be a symbol of a fight for press freedom.”

Rep. Batocabe added, “Freedom of the press not only includes the right to speak and write but also includes the right to be respected and protected from threats, intimidation and harm to their lives and property.” In the past, several journalists have been reported missing or killed, allegedly because of their chosen profession.

Several international organizations have also recognized the Philippines as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists to reside in.