We, the undersigned, urge the NTC to reconsider its decision and call on President Marcos Jr. to rescind this illegal, unfair and unwarranted restriction on press freedom, the freedoms of expression and association, and the right to due process.
Here’s the timeline of Bulatlat’s fight against one form of state-sponsored censorship.
By DEE AYROSO
“The recent visit and observations made by UNSR Khan have brought to light the unjust state of their prolonged detention, begging an immediate review and dismissal of the charges against them, should evidence be lacking,” the groups said.
“Insisting on the blocking of our websites runs counter to the government’s claims of having a vibrant democracy. We call on the Philippine government to stop violating the people’s right to free expression and opinion,” they said.
“The Philippine government will become a laughing stock in the international community if it does not heed SR Khan’s findings.”
“The whole concept of freedom of expression is to be able to say what you want even if it offends the other side. The government should encourage a greater culture of tolerance.” — Special Rapporteur on Free Expression and Opinion Irene Khan
“Frenchie used to lead the Eastern Vista, where is it now? They used to report the prices of basic commodities of Samar and how it affects the people. No one does that now. It is a big disservice to the poor in the region.”
Among the issues that those who participated in the NUJP campaign hoped Khan would look into include website blocking, political prisoners, gender-based attacks against women journalists and media killings.
We must therefore never forget that contradiction in fighting back for freedom of expression today. Freedom of expression is not a privilege of those in power, but a weapon of the oppressed to safeguard against the abuse of power—whether economic, political, and social.