The Philippines has climbed 14 spots greater on this yr’s World Press Freedom Index, inserting 132nd out of 180 nations.
According to world press watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), for the reason that Duterte administration, the Philippine media is “extremely vibrant despite the government’s targeted attacks and constant harassment… of journalists and media outlets that are too critical.”
The RSF additionally noticed that there appears to be much less media assaults within the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as in comparison with the earlier one.
Compared to the Duterte administration, RSF mentioned Marcos’ coverage in the direction of the press “is more consensual.”
RSF highlighted the acquittal of Nobel laureate and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and the Rappler Holdings Corporation of 4 tax evasion costs that had been filed below the Duterte administration as an “encouraging development.”
As to security, RSF mentioned the Philippines “is one of the world’s deadliest countries for journalists,” contemplating the grotesque Maguindanao bloodbath in 2009 that left 58 folks useless, together with 32 members of the media.
Though it mentioned that many journalists are nonetheless targets of threats and lawsuits within the regional stage, RSF famous that there have been no journalists and media staff killed since January 1, 2023 though two journalists had been reportedly detained. —KBK, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
