World · Philippines Bureau
Legarda urges stronger safeguards for Philippine journalists amid press freedom concerns
Senator Loren Legarda has called for enhanced protections for media workers in the Philippines, emphasizing that press freedom is vital to ensuring the public's access to accurate information. The appeal comes as the country continues to grapple with press safety challenges.
LSN Philippines ·
Sen. Loren Legarda on Thursday stressed the critical importance of protecting journalists and media personnel, stating that a free and independent press is essential to upholding citizens' right to truthful, timely, and reliable information.
Making the remarks on National Press Freedom Day, Legarda underscored the need for stronger safeguards for media workers operating in the country. She highlighted the challenges facing the Philippine press landscape, noting that the nation ranked 114th out of 180 countries in global press freedom assessments.
The senator's call for enhanced protections comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety and security of journalists covering sensitive issues across the archipelago. Legarda argued that fortifying press freedoms would strengthen democratic institutions and enable the media to effectively serve as watchdogs of public accountability.
The statement reflects broader discussions in Philippine civil society about the conditions necessary for a functioning democracy, with media freedom advocates consistently raising alarms about threats to journalists and calls for legislative measures to bolster their protection and independence.