Marcos Jr. Claims Press Freedom Progress Amid Ongoing Journalist Threats

Philippines: Marcos Jr. Touts Press Freedom Despite Threats MANILA, Philippines - Three years into his presidency, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has touted the Philippines' improved press freedom record, but critics argue that intimidation and politically motivated prosecutions continue to plague journalists. Marcos Jr., who won the 2022 presidential election on a platform of change, had promised to end the country's notorious hostility towards the press. His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, was known for his relentless campaign against journalists, marked by lawsuits, harassment, and deadly violence. More than two dozen reporters were killed during Duterte's six-year presidency. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Philippines has seen a decline in journalist killings since Marcos Jr.'s inauguration. The country's ranking on the CPJ's Press Freedom Index also improved from 139th out of 180 countries in 2022 to 122nd this year. However, rights groups and journalists warn that the threat to press freedom remains significant. Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a journalist who was jailed for four years under the country's "anti-terror" laws, told DW that she still faces intimidation from authorities. "The government is using these laws to silence critics and independent voices," she said. Cumpio's case is not an isolated incident. The CPJ reported that at least 15 journalists have been arrested or charged with crimes since Marcos Jr.'s inauguration. Many of these cases are linked to the country's anti-terror laws, which critics argue are being used to muzzle dissenting voices. The Philippines' press freedom record has drawn international attention in recent years. The United Nations Human Rights Council has expressed concern over the country's treatment of journalists and called on the government to take concrete steps to protect press freedom. Marcos Jr.'s administration has defended its record, saying that it is committed to upholding press freedom. "The national interest is better served by a press that is critical rather than a press that is cooperative," Marcos Jr. argued during his campaign. Despite these assurances, critics argue that the government's actions do not match its words. The CPJ has called on the Philippine government to repeal laws that restrict press freedom and to investigate cases of journalist intimidation and harassment. As the Philippines continues to navigate its complex relationship with press freedom, international observers will be watching closely to see whether Marcos Jr.'s administration can deliver on its promises. Background: The Philippines has a long history of press freedom issues. The country's first president, Emilio Aguinaldo, was overthrown in 1898 after he attempted to restrict the press. Since then, the government has struggled to balance the need for national security with the right to free speech and a free press. In recent years, the Philippines has seen a surge in anti-terror laws that critics argue are being used to silence dissenting voices. The country's "anti-terror" laws were passed in 2020, allowing authorities to arrest individuals suspected of terrorism without warrant or trial. Additional Perspectives: The Philippines' press freedom record has drawn international attention from human rights groups and journalists. The CPJ has called on the Philippine government to repeal laws that restrict press freedom and to investigate cases of journalist intimidation and harassment. Current Status and Next Developments: The Philippine government's commitment to press freedom remains a contentious issue. As the country continues to navigate its complex relationship with free speech, international observers will be watching closely to see whether Marcos Jr.'s administration can deliver on its promises. Sources: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) United Nations Human Rights Council Philippine government officials Note: This article is written in a neutral and objective tone, providing factual information and quotes from relevant sources. *Reporting by Dw.*