In celebration of the World Press Freedom Day in the Philippines, over 200 journalists, media practitioners and students gathered virtually in a forum titled “The State of Media Freedom in the Philippines: Journalism under Siege.”
The forum was organized by the Freedom for Media, Freedom for All (FMFA) network and the Wag Kukurap Coalition Eleksyon 2022.
TOP PHOTO: Live art by Kartunista Zach encapsulating discussions during FMFA and Wag Kukurap coalition's World Press Freedom Day forum on May 3, 2022.
The forum featured the State of Media Freedom in the Philippines 2022 report presented by Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility executive director Melinda Quintos De Jesus. According to the report, at least 23 journalists including 15 radio personalities were killed in line of duty during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The report also detailed at least 145 recorded attacks perpetrated by state agents. Jonathan De Santos of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines demanded for government accountability for these attacks.
Christian Esguerra of Facts First, Cong Corales of Mindanao Gold Star Daily, and Regine Cabato of The Washington Post also shared testimonies on their experiences during the campaign. They highlighted how disinformation campaigns have been the biggest challenge to journalists. — Martha Teodoro