press freedom – ellen tordesillas

Ronnel Mas’ case: A preview of the possible horror of Anti-Terrorism law

Published by Ellen on June 26, 2020

The case of public school teacher Ronnel Mas should give us a preview of the horror that we would have to go through if and when the Anti-Terrorism bill, which is awaiting the signature of President Duterte, becomes a law.

The anguish that Mas suffered since he was arrested without a warrant last May 11 for his tweet that the National Bureau of Investigation considered “seditious” is immeasurable that you would not wish on your worst enemy.

Thankfully, Olongapo RTC Judge Richard Paradeza saw the illegality of the arrest and dismissed the inciting to sedition charge against Mas.

Duterte does not understand media’s role in a democracy

Published by Ellen on February 24, 2018

Pres. Duterte rants about Rappler while Pia Ranada asks questions in a press conference. Video grab from RTVM.

Of the many things that Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said to justify the banning of Rappler and its reporter Pia Ranada in Malacañang premises, one thing stood out that reflected President Duterte ’s misunderstanding of the role of media in a democracy.

Roque said: “Nag-isyu na ang Presidente ng order na hindi pupuwede si Pia [sa Malacañang] (The President has issued the order that Pia is not allowed in Malacanang.),”

The reason?

Curtailing freedom of expression redux

Published by Ellen on January 22, 2018

Moves in the House of Representatives to insert the words “”responsible exercise” in the freedom of speech part in the Constitution’s Bill of Rights is a revival of the same attempt made by the government of Gloria Arroyo in 2006.

Last week, Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro (Capiz’s second district, informed the House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitutional Amendments of the proposal on Tuesday (January 16).

Castro proposed that Article 3, Section 4 of the Bill of Rights which states “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 ” should be reworded to “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.”

Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro. Photo from UNTV.

Verafiles’ trustee is 2010 Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellow for Journalism

Published by Ellen on August 10, 2010

photo of awardees — Amb. Harry Thomas, Flora May Cerna, Yvonne Chua and Ballsy Cruz

Veteran journalist, journalism educator and VERA Files trustee Yvonne Chua was named 2010 Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship Awardee for journalism.

In a simple ceremony held Monday, Chua was cited for the “depth and breadth of her work” as journalist.

Flora May M.Cerna, head of the Department of Research and Project Development at the Transparency and Accountability Network, is the awardee for the 2010 Aquino Fellowship for Public Service.

The awards are given annually by the United States Embassy and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation to individuals who excel in journalism and public service. (Photo by Reylynne de la Paz)

Watchdog names 40 ‘predators of the press’

Published by Ellen on May 3, 2010

Philippines makes it to the list

By Laurent Houssay
Agence France-Presse

PARIS—Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders named Monday the world’s 40 worst “predators of the press” including politicians, religious leaders and militias to mark World Press Freedom Day.

“They are powerful, dangerous, violent and above the law”, the Paris-based watchdog RSF said. “These predators of press freedom have the power to censor, imprison, kidnap, torture and, in the worst cases, murder journalists”.

Seventeen presidents and several heads of government are on the list, including China’s Hu Jintao, Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Cuba’s Raoul Castro and Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

New entrants on the annually-updated list of “predators” include Taliban chief Mullah Omar.

No to Right of Reply bill

Published by Ellen on February 26, 2009

I’m glad that Senators Mar Roxas and Chiz Escudero have withdrawn their signatures on the dangerous Right-of-Reply bill that the Senate passed last July and which is due for second reading at the House of Representatives.

I’m not surprised about Rep. Monico Puentevella pushing for a bill that would be disastrous to democracy in this country. What can the people expect from an Arroyo lackey?

But Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr? He who fought the Marcos dictatorship? Disappointment is an understatement.