EVERY ELECTION is a reckoning for democracy. As journalists reporting on another critical moment for our country, we have a duty to provide accurate, reliable and essential information that will empower voters and encourage public discussion and debate.
Affirming that:
Election integrity is not just about credible counting of votes, but about clean, level, legal, transparent, and accountable campaigning;
Credible elections need credible media; conversely, corrupted media can further corrupt politics;
Citizens need issues and debates to be clarified, not simply amplified.
We pledge to:
• Put voters and the integrity of the electoral process at the center of our reporting.
• Focus on issues not just on personalities.
• Examine the track record and qualifications of candidates and political parties vying for
public office and hold them accountable for the veracity and honesty of their every
statement and promise.
• Cover as responsible and accountable the institutions mandated to ensure an even,
orderly, and credible electoral playing field.
• Stand in solidarity with each other when any journalist or news organization is harassed
by state agents, political parties, candidates, or private groups for their
evidence-based journalism.
• Be accountable to the public. We will hold each other to higher standards of impartiality,
credibility, and integrity.
In line with these principles, we commit to:
• Challenge and correct statements and claims that have no basis in fact.
• Avoid highlighting or amplifying falsehoods, hate speech and incitements to violence.
• Report on the partisan activities of government officials, including those working for
national and local agencies, the courts, law-enforcement and the armed services.
• Monitor the independence of the Commission on Elections, the courts, the military, the
police, teachers and all other individuals and entities involved in the conduct of the
election.
• Highlight the efforts of the public and private sectors to uphold the honesty and
integrity of elections.
• Monitor vote buying, campaign spending and the use of public funds to win elections.
• Contextualize reporting on surveys and the winnability of candidates. We will not report
on surveys without verifying the source of the polling data, the track record of the
companies conducting the polls, the methodologies used, and the questions asked.
• Focus on voter education, citizen participation and empowerment.
• Organize and report on town halls and debates and encourage candidates and citizens
to take part in them.
• Uphold codes of ethics and professional conduct and disclose potential conflicts of
interest.
• Make a clear distinction between reportage and opinion.
• Promote safety, public health and security protocols for and among journalists and be
mindful of the impact of our work on the safety and well-being of the people and
communities we interact with in the course of our reporting.
• Share best practices, knowledge, and experience, and raise our individual and collective
capacities and competencies in covering elections – as well as the politics, issues,
policies, leaders, and people beyond the elections.
Signed (as of 16 July 2021, 7pm),
Media Organizations:
Interaksyon
Mindanao News Express
NUJP – ABS-CBN Chapter
NUJP – EU Chapter
NUJP – Middle East
NUJP – NCR
Pinoy Weekly
TUDLA Productions
Women Writers in Media Now
Pokus Gitnang Luson Multimedia Network
Amalia Cabusao for Mindanao Times
Ann Lourdes C. Lopez for Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication
Ariel Sebellino for Philippine Press Institute (PPI)
Carmela Fonbuena for Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)
Carolyn O. Arguillas for MindaNews
Cheche Lazaro for Probe
Cong B. Corrales for Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Camille Diola for Philstar.com
Debbie Jane Pangan, ABS-CBN News – ME Bureau
Dexter Aquino See for Herald Express
Ellen Tordesillas for Vera Files
Elmer James Bandol for Bicoltoday.com
Ezra Acayan for Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines
Felix “Boy” Espineda, Jr. for Bicol Express News
Jonathan de Santos for the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Josephine Mendoza for Calbayog Journal
Justine Ligan for 106.7 FARM Radio
Lucelle Bonzo for Davao Today
Luz Rimban for Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University (ACFJ)
Lynda Catindig-Garcia for International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippine Chapter
Marichu A.Villanueva for The Philippine Star
Melinda Quintos De Jesus for Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Miriam Grace Go and Glenda Gloria for Rappler
Patricia Laririt for Palawan News
Raymund B. Villanueva for KODAO Productions
Rhea Padilla for Altermidya Network
Red Batario for Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD)
Roby Alampay for PumaPodcast
Rommel Lopez for PressONE.ph, The Press Room Podcast
Ronalyn V. Olea for Bulatlat
In their individual capacities:
Adelina Sevilla Alvarez, CCJD
Aika Rey, Rappler
Alejandro M. Saludo, Radyo Milenyo News FM Koronadal City
Alexis Romero, The Philippine Star
Alfredo Ruzol, ABS-CBN News
Allan Ace Aclan, News 5
Alois Isinika, Rappler
Amalia Cabusao, Mindanao Times
Ana Catalina Paje, Center for Media and Responsibility
Ana Corina Arceo, Rappler
Ana Gonzales, Smart Parenting Summit Media
Ana P. Santos
Andy Espinar, DWJX OKfm Sorsogon
Angel Movido, ABS-CBN News
Anjo Alimario, CNN Philippines
Anjo Bagaoisan, ABS-CBN News
Ann Lourdes Lopez, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication
Anthony Cuaycong, VERA Files
Anthony Esguerra, VICE
Anthony Reynan Gonzales, TV5 Network Inc.
April Rafales, ABS-CBN News
Ara Eugenio, Summit Media (reportr.world)
Arianne Calumbiran, ONE News
Arianne Merez, Summit Media
Arlene P. Mariposque, GMA 7 News Correspondent – UAE
Arra Perez, ABS-CBN News
Ariel Sebellino, Philippine Press Institute
Ashley Martelino, Spot.ph/Summit Media
Aubrey Glaiza Sangalang-Delos Reyes, GMA Network, Inc.
Bea Cupin, Rappler
Beatrice Puente, News5 Digital
Ben Balce, Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Benise Balaoing, ABS-CBN News
Bernadette Nicolas, BusinessMirror
Bernardino P. Testa, Photojournalist
Beth Frondoso, Rappler
Bhal Cabrera 106.7 Online Farm Radio
Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News
Billy A. San Juan, CLTV36
BJ Patino, MindaNews
Blanch Ancla, VERA Files
Bobby Lagsa, Rappler/Mindanao Today
Bobby Timonera, MindaNews
Booma Cruz, Vera Files Inc.
Bong Z. Lacson, Punto! Central Luzon
Bong Sarmiento, MindaNews
Bonz Magsambol, Rappler
Camille Diola, Philstar.com
Camille Elemia, Rappler
Camille Samonte, TV5
Carla Bauto Deña, Manila Bulletin
Carljoe Javier, PumaPodcast
Carmela Fonbuena for the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Carolyn O. Arguillas, MindaNews
Ceej Tantengco, PumaPodcast
Celine Isabelle Samson, VERA Files
Charmaine Deogracias, VERA Files
Chay Hofileña, Rappler
Cherry Mae Salazar, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Cherrie Regalado
Chi Liquicia, VERA Files
Chit Santos
Christa I. De La Cruz, SPOT.ph (Summit Media)
Christian Esguerra, ANC & Facts First Podcast
Christia Ramos, INQUIRER.net
Christine O. Avendano, Philippine Daily Inquirer
CJ Maglunog, Rappler
Cong B. Corrales, Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Cyril Bhal A. Cabrera Mindanao News Express
Dabet Panelo, ABS CBN News
Dahlia A. Orit, DYSL (RP-SOGOD)
Danilo Piedad, Cameraman, ABS-CBN
Denise Estrella, Summit Media
Dexter Cabalza, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Diosa Quinones, PumaPodcast
Dianne Adolfo,TV5
DJ Yap, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Dwight De Leon, Rappler
Ed Lingao
Edbrian Pimentel,ABSCBN NEWS
Edison Tangon, GMA News
Edwin Mercurio – NUJP Canada
Ellen Tordesillas, VERA Files
Elijah Roderos, VERA Files
Elizabeth Ruth Deyro
Enrico G. Berdos, VERA Files
Erika Pearl Aguilar, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Erik Tenedero, ABS-CBN News
Ermin F. Garcia, Jr., Sunday Punch
Ezra Acayan, Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines
Faith delMundo, TV5 News
Felipe F. Salvosa II, PressOne.PH, PCIJ
Ferdinand B. Cabrera, MindaNews
Fernando Sepe Jr., PCP/ABS-CBN News
Floreen Simon, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Frank Cimatu, Baguio Chronicle and Cordillera News Agency
Francis Allan L. Angelo, Daily Guardian
Francis John M. Tiu Sonco, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Franz Embudo, OneNews.PH
Frencie Carreon, MindaNews / Diario Verdad
Froilan Gallardo, MindaNews
Gaby Baizas, Rappler
Gelo Gonzales
Gem Avanceña, TV5
Gemma B. Mendoza, Rappler
Gemma Nemenzo, PositivelyFilipino.com
Gene Alcantara, Juan EU Konek and Global Filipino Radio
Gerard dela Pena, TV5
Gideon Lasco, Columnist – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gigi Valderrama, INQUIRER.net
Glenn Ray Roluna, DXDD AM/FM
Greg Gregorio, TV5
H. Marcos C. Mordeno, MindaNews
Hannah Paguila, PumaPodcast
Herbie Gomez, Rappler
Inday Espina-Varona, NUJP, Alab Anlysis
Ivel Santos, VERA Files
Iya Gozum, Rappler
Jacob Lazaro, One News PH
Jaehwa Bernardo, ABS-CBN News
Jauhn Etienne Villaruel, ABS-CBN News
Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News
Jaira Roxas, Rappler
Jairo Bolledo, Rappler
Jackie de Vega, TFC News
Jasmine Payo, Rappler
Jee Y. Geronimo, Rappler
Jeffrey Hernaez, ABS-CBN News
Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News
Jen Aquino, Probe
Jene-Anne Pangue, Rappler
Jeraldine Pascual, CMFR
Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News
Jess Malabanan, Manila Standard
Jimmy Lirasan, Bida News Update/OneTV Ozamiz
Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon, WOMEN (Women Writers in Media)
Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News
Jodesz Gavilan, Rappler
Joey Caburnida, TFC NEWS
Joey Natividad, Bicol Express News
John Christian Cosico, TV5
John Nery, Philippine Daily Inquirer & Asian Center for Journalism
John Fel Duhaylungsod, Katawhan sa Probinsya
Jonathan de Santos, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Joseph Alvin Umahon, NUJP-EU Chapter
Joseph Bernard A. Marzan, Daily Guardian
Josephine M. Mendoza, Calbayog Journal
Josiah Antonio, ABS-CBN News
Joyce Babe Pañares, Manila Standard
Jules Guiang, Rappler
Julie S. Alipala, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Juliet Labog-Javellana, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Storytellers International
Karol Ilagan, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Katrina Hallare, OneNews.PH
Katrina Ventura, PumaPodcast
Kaye Cabal, Rappler
Kenneth Roland A. Guda, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Kier Labrador, Philippine Press Institute
Kiko Mendoza, Rappler
Klaire Ting, VERA Files
Kori Quintos, ABS-CBN News
Krissy Aguilar, INQUIRER.net
Kristina Dorothy Aclan, Pinoy Arabia Middle East
Krixia Subingsubing, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Larry Monserate Piojo, Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines
Lady Vicencio, ABS-CBN News
Leah Nemil-SanJose, Summit Media
Leah Perez, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
Leilani Chavez, Mongabay
Lian Buan, Rappler
Lita Jane B. Cadalig, Baguio Midland Courier
Lily Grace Tabanera, Summit Media
Loreben Tuquero, Rappler
Lourdes Escaros, NUJP-NCR
Lucelle Bonzo for Davao Today
Luigi Almuena
Luis V. Teodoro, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
Luz Rimban, Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University (ACFJ)
Lynda Catindig-Garcia, IAWRT Philippine Chapter
Lyndon Aballe, ABS CBN (TFC NEWS Europe & Middle East)
Ma. Ceres P. Doyo, Women Writers in Media Now (WOMEN)
Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net
Maria A. Ressa, Rappler
Ma. Regina Reyes, ABS-CBN News
Ma. Socorro De Jesus, TFC News
Malu Echevarria, Newsdesk-TV5
Manman Dejeto, MindaNews / freelance visual journalist
Manny Mogato
Mara Cepeda, Rappler
Marc Casillan, PumaPodcast
Marchel Espina, Digicast Negros
Margarita A. Valle, Davao Today
Marguerite de Leon, Rappler
Marichu A.Villanueva, The Philippine Star
Marites D Vitug, Rappler
Maria Elena Catajan – Asia Democracy Network
Marianne Alivio, Cignal TV
Marianne Enriquez, TV5
Marites D. Vitug, Rappler
Marj Ramos-Clemente, Summit Media (Preview.ph)
Marlon Sayson, ABS-CBN News
Martha Teodoro, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Mary Honesty Ragot, Palawan Daily News
Maxxy Santiago – ABS-CBN News (ME Bureau)
Meeko Angela Camba, VERA Files
Meg Adonis, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Melinda Quintos De Jesus, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
Melissa Lopez, CNN Philippines
Melvin Gascon
Merinette A. Retona, VERA Files
Mia Gonzalez, Rappler
Mia Rodriguez, SPOT.ph (Summit Media)
Michael Bueza, Rappler
Michael James Licuanan
Michael Navarro, CEO – Mindanao News Express
Michelle Zoleta, The Philippine Star-Quezon province
Michelle Abad, Rappler
Michelle Zoleta, The Philippine Star-Quezon province
Mike Navallo, ABS-CBN News
Milo A. Paz, DocuCinema Media Collective
Miriam Grace A. Go, Rappler
Mye Mulingtapang,TFC News
Mylene Mendoza, Summit Media
Nelson Alaba, Assistant Cameraman, ABS-CBN
Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, Women Writers in Media Now
Nestor Burgos Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer
Nica Rhiana Hanopol, Vera Files
Nick Garcia, One News
Nick Villavecer, Rappler
Nico Bagsic, ABS-CBN News Channel
Neil Arwin Mercado, Inquirer.net
Nini Cabaero
Noemi Lardizabal-Dado
Nicko Talavera, ONE News
Nikko Dizon
Paterno R. Esmaquel II, Rappler
Patricia Aquino, PumaPodcast
Patricia Laririt, Palawan News
Patricia Melliza, Summit Media
Paulynn P. Sicam – Women Writers in Media Now
Pauline Macaraeg, Rappler
Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
Pia Ranada, Rappler
Pia Regalado, Summit Media (reportr.world)
Rachel Ganancial, Palawan News
Rachel Salinel, ABS CBN (TFC News Europe & The Middle East)
Raisa Marielle Serafica, Rappler
Raffy Lerma, Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines
Raffy Tima
Rambo Talabong, Rappler
Raquel Bernal-Crisostomo, TFC News
Raymund B. Villanueva, KODAO PRODUCTIONS
Rex Remitio, CNN Philippines
Rey J. Garcia, The Mindanao Observer
Ray Gaspay, SamarNews.com
Rey Samonte, Assistant Cameraman, ABS-CBN
Rica Lazo, ABS-CBN News
Ricardo Dizon, Cameraman, ABS-CBN
Ricky Bautista, Samar Weekly Express
Rhonechelle Cabodbod, Southern Leyte Times Newspaper
Roberto D. Dollison Jr. Sorsogon News
Roby Alampay, PumaPodcast
Rommel Lopez for PressONE.ph, The Press Room Podcast
Ronalyn V. Olea, Bulatlat
Roselle Miranda, Summit Media
Rowena Carranza Paraan, ABS-CBN News
Rowen M. Soldevilla TFC News
Ryan Christopher J. Sorote, DYWC TeleRadyo (Negros Oriental)
Ryan Jay Evangelista, ABS-CBN News
Ryan Juego, News5
Ryan Macasero, Rappler
Ryan D. Rosauro, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Samantha Bagayas, Rappler
Sean G.Sulugan-Benta, Birada News Daily
Sengkly Eslabra, Cameraman, ABS-CBN
Sheila Coronel, Women Writers in Media Now
Sherrie Ann Torres – ABS-CBN News
Shyla Francisco, TV5/ One News
Sofia De Aros, SUMMIT MEDIA (Preview.ph)
Sofia Tomacruz, Rappler
Sofia Virtudes, Rappler
Solita Monsod – GMA7, Inquirer, UP School of Economics
Sol Juvida Women Writers in Media Now
Sonia P Soto , CLTV
Sonny E. Fernandez
Sharra Elep, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Steph Arnaldo, Rappler
Stephanie Sison, Summit Media (Preview.ph)
Tarra Quismundo, ABS-CBN News
Tetch Torres-Tupas, INQUIRER.net
Ted Aldwin Ong, peoplesdomain.net
Ted Regencia, Al Jazeera English online
Tess Bacalla, Asia Democracy Chronicles
Theodore Jason Patrick K. Ortiz, GMA Public Affairs
Tina Monzon Palma
Tita C Valderama, VERA Files
Tonette T. Orejas, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Tress Reyes, VERA Files
Triciah Terada, CNN Philippines
Uriel Quilinguing, Mindanao Today
Vangie Rebot Jorquia, TFC NEWS
Vergel Santos
Vernise Tantuco, Rappler
Vincent Charlemagne Cabreza, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Virgilio Cuizon, TFC News
Volt Contreras, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Warren de Guzman, ABS-CBN News
Weeda Wheng Callora Mindanao Pulse Forum
Ysabel Y. Yuzon, Summit Media (Candy)
Yvette Fernandez, Summit Media
Yvonne Roble Berenguel , 106.7 FARM Radio
Yvonne T. Chua, University of the Philippines
Zacarian Sarao, INQUIRER.net
Zandro Ochona, ABS-CBN News
TOP PHOTO: Shutterstock