CHR backs UN call to protect Philippine press freedom

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed strong support for the recommendations made by United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, urging the Philippine government to adopt immediate reforms that will better safeguard freedom of expression and the press.

Khan’s report, presented to the UN Human Rights Council, follows her official visit to the Philippines in January 2024 and highlights both progress made and lingering threats to press freedom, civil society, and civic participation.

The CHR emphasized that while improvements have been observed, “there remains a clear need for fundamental reforms to ensure that the free flow of information remains central to the country’s democracy.”

Among the most urgent issues raised in the report are red-tagging, media killings, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and the vilification of human rights defenders—issues the CHR described as “deeply concerning.”

The Commission also condemned acts of censorship, including the takedown of websites and the blocking of media outlets, as well as the lack of institutional support for independent, self-regulating media entities.

“The findings and recommendations of the Special Rapporteur align with the vision of a democratic society where every Filipino can participate in a healthy ecosystem of truthful information,” the CHR said in its official statement.

Khan’s visit included direct meetings with CHR officials to assess conditions and discuss mechanisms to improve the state of free expression in the country.

The CHR called on the Marcos administration to act on legislative proposals such as the Media Workers’ Welfare Billand Journalist Protection Bill, and to revisit contentious provisions under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Other recommended reforms include the decriminalization of libel, the strengthening of Administrative Order No. 35on extrajudicial killings, and the expansion of the mandate of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

On the international front, the CHR echoed calls for the Philippines to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and reaccede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

The Commission also welcomed Khan’s recommendation to pass the CHR Charter Bill, which would reinforce the agency’s independence and operational capacity as a constitutional body.

“As the country’s watchdog, monitor, adviser, and educator on the government’s human rights obligations, the Commission stresses that its institutional independence and adequate resourcing are essential,” the CHR said.

Freedom of expression is enshrined in both the Philippine Constitution and international law, and the CHR reaffirmed its commitment to advancing legal and structural protections for media workers and civic voices.

“CHR continues to advocate for reforms that strengthen the protection of fundamental freedoms and calls on the government to prioritize these efforts in its ongoing work to protect the rights of all Filipinos,” it said.