In celebration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, journalists from different media outlets joined together to call for the protection of press freedom in the country.
In a tweet, Kapamilya broadcast journalist Jeff Canoy shared a video posted on Patrol ng Pilipino’s Twitter account with the caption: “Sama-sama #WorldPressFreedomDay2023.”
Sama-sama. #WorldPressFreedomDay2023 https://t.co/1PeyV2B49x
— Jeff Canoy (@jeffcanoy) May 3, 2023
The video contains messages from varied journalists and reporters from various news agencies, united in calling for press freedom and the protection of media workers worldwide.
Included in the video are ABS-CBN News’ Anjo Bagaoisan and Zen Hernandez, who said, “Magagawa lang namin ang aming matapang na pagpapatrol, kung patuloy na magiging malaya ang ating pamamahayag… Kaya mahalaga na makiisa at suportahan ang aming komunidad.”
Jeff Canoy, on the other hand, remarked, “Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang malayang pamamahayag.”
Other journalists in the video echoed it. It included Ed Lingao of TV5, Krixxia Subingbing of the Inquirer, Jeff Aznar of FOCAP, Carmela Fonbuena of PCIJ, Paterno Esmaquel II of Rappler, Jonathan Santos of NUJP, and others from different news organizations.
Kapuso journalist Mariz Umali also joined the call by retweeting Patrol ng Pilipino’s video with the caption, “Sama sama sa malaya, responsable at makatotohanang pamamahayag.”
Sama sama sa malaya, responsable at makatotohanang pamamahayag 🇵🇭 https://t.co/WVDRNH4h5p
— Mariz Umali (@marizumali) May 4, 2023
Same with another Kapuso journalist, Raffy Tima, who also took to Twitter to share his solidarity for the call for the protection of press freedom in the country.
“Nakaligtas tayo sa napakaraming delikadong coverage dahil tayo ay nag sama-sama.”
Nakaligtas tayo sa napakaraming delikadong coverage dahil tayo ay nag sama-sama. https://t.co/880NoulaEr
— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) May 4, 2023
Former News5 reporter Gerard Garcia also tweeted, asking fellow journalists to continue to speak truth to power.
“Left the job in 2014 but kept on telling the truth and battling disinformation through my small platform. Now more than ever, we need to hold the line for truth and freedom. Happy #WorldPressFreedomDay“
Left the job in 2014 but kept on telling the truth and battling disinformation through my small platform. Now more than ever, we need to hold the line for truth and freedom. Happy #WorldPressFreedomDay ✊🏻 pic.twitter.com/30RYSAOgCx
— G (@gerardgarciaph) May 3, 2023
Malacanang on Wednesday also reiterated its stand for the protection of press freedom in the country.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that the government continues to honor journalists who risk their lives to give news and information. It also mentioned its condemnation of [all forms] attacks and harassment against media workers worldwide.
“We honor the brave journalists who risk their lives every day to bring us the news and the stories that shape our world.
“We condemn all attacks on press freedom and call for the protection of journalists and media workers worldwide.
“We believe that a vibrant and independent press is crucial for a healthy democracy, and we will continue to work towards ensuring the freedom of the press is protected and respected in our country.”
