Phl press freedom: Still much to be done

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang conceded yesterday there was still much to be done to ensure media protection in the country, but welcomed the report released by the Washington-based advocacy organization Freedom House ranking the Philippines the highest in press freedom in Southeast Asia in 2012.

“The Philippines has been highlighted as one of ‘several key countries’ where positive changes in press freedom have been seen… Freedom House says the global ranking of the Philippines improved by five notches – from 93rd in 2011 to 88th this year,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

“The ratings are based on assessments of the legal, political, and economic environments for media in each country, on a scale with 0 as ‘most free’ to 100 as ‘least free’,” he said.

In Southeast Asia the Philippines ranked highest in press freedom with a rating of 42, representing a four-point increase from last year’s 46.

Freedom House cited the following reasons for the country’s gains: reduction in violence against journalists, attempts by government to address impunity, and expanded diversity of media ownership.

“With a country rating of 42, we acknowledge that more needs to be done to further improve the country’s rating which is still considered ‘partly free.’ However, the improved rankings of the Philippines represent a recognition of the Philippine government’s initiatives to strengthen press freedom,” Lacierda said.

Freedom House conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom and human rights. It supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights around the world.

It also supports nonviolent civic initiatives in societies where freedom is denied or under threat and stands in opposition to ideas and forces that challenge the right of all people to be free.

Freedom House also cited Indonesia, Niger, Thailand and Zambia for showing positive improvements in observing press freedom.

Meanwhile, Eritrea, “the Horn of Africa,” has emerged as the world’s most censored country, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in its newly updated analysis of press restrictions around the globe.

Following closely in CPJ’s 10 Most Censored Countries list are North Korea, Syria, and Iran – three nations where vast restrictions on information have enormous implications for geopolitical and nuclear stability. –Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star)