Marcos Jr. vows to protect media rights amid ongoing threats
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to protect media rights upon taking office.
- Several improvements in media safety have been reported, though challenges persist for journalists outside the capital.
- Despite some progress, experts warn that concrete actions and reforms are necessary to ensure a safe environment for all journalists in the Philippines.
The Philippines has experienced a challenging history concerning media freedom and the safety of journalists. Under previous president Rodrigo Duterte, criticisms of the media were met with hostility, leading to numerous attacks on journalists. Since taking office in 2022, current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made public statements pledging to enhance media protections and support freedom of the press. His administration has reportedly seen some positive changes, including the arrest of a suspected mastermind behind a journalist's murder from over a decade ago and the appointment of Joe Torres Jr., a former journalist, to lead the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, emphasizing the necessity to safeguard media workers. However, complexities persist, especially for community and regional journalists outside the capital, who continue to face threats and intimidation. Critics argue that despite Marcos's rhetoric, tangible reforms and protective measures have yet to materialize comprehensively across the nation. Reports by organizations like Amnesty International highlight ongoing incidents of red-tagging, where journalists are unfoundedly labeled as communist sympathizers, posing serious risks. Experts such as Carlos Conde from Human Rights Watch express cautious optimism under Marcos's presidency, suggesting some advancements have been made, particularly regarding media treatment in the capital. Nevertheless, significant gaps remain, especially in less urban areas where safety for the press is still a major concern.