PCP: State should uphold press freedom

The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines raises concerns on the incident involving Rappler reporter Pia Rañada, who was barred from entering the Malacañang palace to cover a press event.

We urge the Presidential Communications Operations Office to investigate the incident which violates the Article III Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution stating that “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the Government for redress of grievances.”

We demand the State to defend and uphold the freedom of the press and the public’s right to information.

We strongly urge the government to respect everyone’s right to freedom of opinion and expression as set by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ####