Dr. Jose “Pepe” P. Rizal would have likely taken his pen and written once more if he saw what has been happening with the concerning decline of press freedom in the country.




Recently, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) presented a figure regarding the recent press attack in the country. The increase in these provocations just proves that Pepe’s words and legacy still seem opaque to many.

Indeed, the violations of press freedom in the country are still grave, securing yet another karma for the guilty, but mostly a slap in the face of the general public.

The palace, meanwhile, continues to reiterate a report from Reporters Without Borders that shows that a substantial amount of improvement has been made despite a spike in recent incidents of press provocations. The 18-place jump on the metrics alone does not capture the whole picture of the situation, for it dehumanizes the traumatizing experiences of journalists in the country that left deep wounds and scars.

Instances like red-tagging, killing, and minimal support to journalists contradict these political statements and unsatisfactory performance in addressing the issue of press freedom, which continues to bring disappointment to those hoping for improvement.

The propaganda that everyone should fall for is the enduring value of press freedom that Rizal fought for with his literal blood, sweat, and tears. His seminal works, La Solidaridad, Noli Me Tangere, and El Filibusterismo, provided an early foundation for the young nation to establish a substantial framework for critical rhetoric.

It, in turn, highlights the important fact that journalists play an integral role in the continued fight for justice, equity, and true democracy with the lay people of the Philippines. Historical parallelisms like this are a focal point that draws not only inspiration and emulation but also gives insight into how recent issues can draw motivation to improve from past experiences

From the colonizers’ actions of oppressing dissent through censorship and information control to even resorting to massive acts of violence, it all draws similarities to modern tendencies in what has been happening in the country’s state of the press. Those who currently have the guts to stand up like Maria Ressa, despite showing a dauntless facade in defending the values of press freedom, are continually harassed and subjected to force by the tyrants who are in power.

 It is quite stressful and frustrating to ponder that with all of the time that has passed since the inception of the Propaganda Movement that Rizal started, little has changed in the context of the Philippines when it comes to press repression and state violence against journalists.

 Ensuring that there is a functioning, reliable, and free press institution not only provides the free flow of information among the citizens of a country but also prevents the infiltration of the sacred rights of every citizen to their civil liberties.

 Hence, it is imperative for those who are witnessing the unfolding of these events. Avoid being just a witness and stand for what is right in uplifting the country’s unfortunate press situation. 

Calling the legislative body to enact laws safeguarding journalists’ rights even further by outlawing red-tagging, force exertion, intimidation, and media censorship allows everyone in the journalistic field to sleep soundly and do their jobs at their best. 

After all, just like how Rizal advocated for press freedom, it is a continued protest in which everyone can take part, even through forms of street protests and online campaigns. Standing up for press freedom will disarm the bullets of those who dare to taint its integrity.