Defend Press Freedom; Uphold the People's Rights
A Statement of Iloilo Journalists
We, members of Iloilo media, add our voices to the growing opposition to the Proclamation No. 1017 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last February 24, 2006, placing the country under the state of national emergency.
One of the first casualties of Proclamation 1017 is the media because it delivered a fatal blow to freedom of the press and expression.
We urge the immediate lifting of Proclamation 1017 because it has created a climate of fear. It has also brought apprehensions, uncertainty and confusion among media practitioners, especially following the police raid on the Daily Tribune in Manila and the confiscation of copies of the newspaper.
The posting of military men in major television networks in Manila brought a "chilling effect" and the feared military takeover of news organizations.
As journalists and citizens, we uphold and safeguard the constitutionally guaranteed rights of freedom of the press and expression. The government cannot just stifle these basic rights of the people, no matter what condition, crisis or circumstance present in our midst.
As media practitioners, our loyalty is to citizens. We uphold the basic tenets of journalism and we do all the best we could to deliver stories and information that are accurate, fair, balanced, comprehensive and compelling.
We uphold our commitment to print and air the truth especially in these challenging times. We believe that what a free society needs from journalists is a truthful, comprehensive and intelligent discussion of the day's events, so that they can understand them and make informed decisions for the future of the country.
February 27, 2006
Iloilo City