Bulatlat, an independent news outfit focusing on human rights reporting, is the first newsroom in the Philippines to be accredited by Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), an international standard initiated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

JTI certifies news organizations based on the principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical journalism practices with the help of 19 credible certifiers. More than 2,130 media organizations have joined the initiative in 122 countries as of this writing.

“The JTI accreditation affirms that Bulatlat’s human rights journalism adheres to the highest global standards and ethics in running a newsroom,” Ronalyn Olea, Bulatlat’s editor-in-chief, said in a statement.

The certification process starts with self-assessment of the outfit by answering structured questions. It is followed by public disclosure of the results immediately. The last process, certification, involves an independent audit conducted by an external body.

Bulatlat has been audited by Audit Bureau of Circulations, successfully passing all three stages of JTI’s accreditation. This recognition is given for showcasing and promoting trustworthy journalism.

“This accreditation is relevant as we continue to push back against red-tagging, cyber attacks and censorship,” Olea added.

Bulatlat has been challenging a state-sponsored website blocking order from the National Telecommunications Commission for more than three years. The newsroom is still awaiting the decision of the court.

Read: Timeline: The fight against website blocking in the Philippines

“Bulatlat remains dedicated to its mission of amplifying the voices of the marginalized and oppressed sectors amid disinformation and digital authoritarianism,” Olea ended.

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