Written for The Diplomat
A United Nations special rapporteur report highlighted the continuing civic space restrictions in the Philippines under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s government, which marks its third year in office this month.
Khan’s report confirmed the severe restrictions imposed by the previous Duterte government, which led to the curtailment of civil liberties. The Marcos government has made some improvements but these did not reverse the repressive policies that continue to undermine freedom of expression. Marcos has publicly and consistently affirmed his commitment to uphold free speech, and this will be tested once again if he includes Khan’s recommendations in his fourth state of the nation address on July 28.
Journalists Continue to Face Attacks Despite ‘Improved’ Media Situation
Written for The Diplomat
The Philippine government celebrated the country’s improved ranking in Reporters Without Borders (RSF)’s latest World Press Freedom Index, but local media groups warned that significant challenges continue to impede the work of journalists.
The Philippine government can repeatedly point to the country’s ranking in the RSF index to prove that the media situation is improving but this should not distract it from recognizing that serious problems remain and that it should work harder to address these issues so that journalists can finally fulfill their work without experiencing threats and violence.
As CMFR emphasized in its statement, “without a free and fearless press, democracy dies in silence.”