FREEDOM AND THE PRESS

By Kimberly Shane R. Daquioag

Many times, press freedom is often an issue many journalists – young and responsible adults,
neophytes and those had been in the media, are trying to resolve since time immemorial. Many of whom
have raised issues and concerns regarding the freedom of the press.

It has to be underscored that the collective freedom of the press is the mirror image of the individual’s
freedom of speech and expression, as a whole and in general. As a matter of fact, many of the Filipinos in
general would consider that both go together such that anyone cannot have one without the other. An attack
on one is checks the other.

Article III Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states 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.”

The provision that is cited here explains that, “All men are created equal; that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
This provision further explains about the divine right of the people.

Over the past years, nations around the world have continuously struggled with the practical reality
of how those words apply in everyday life. Does freedom of speech allow for materials that fit the changing
definition of what is obscene and pornographic? Does freedom of the press give the right to call for the
unconstitutional overthrow of a legally elected government?

While it is easy to dismiss these as extreme examples, it is always those that are exposed by the
media that challenge the core beliefs of writers, broadcasters and others who find freedom of the press an
avenue to express their own opinion and their thoughts.

Often, the press and media are always under scrutiny and even attack, and press and media
practitioners must be watchful, observant and alert. However, as it has been written in the past, it seems that
the public, which we say that we serve, is less concerned than maybe it should be. The last decade has been
a literally dangerous time for those in the press and there is little public outcry. There may be a reason for
that.

Today, it shows that more than half of the percent of our people said that the news media was “very
important” or “critical” to democracy. To some, it is very important because it shows how much we value our
right to get information and be informed.

A press and media that are perceived in these ways are going to be subject to reactions like this. “A
[Philippine] House subcommittee is proposing that the 1987 Constitution’s bill of rights provision protecting
press freedom be changed to a right to responsible exercise of free speech.” With that kind of language as
law, both free press and free speech is condemned.
 Of course, it is important – as long as they have someone checking themselves to print true
information in order to maintain integrity. Freedom of the Press in not to moulding or conditioning the minds
of the public. Media must be independent and give us news, not opinions, not what ifs, and should not try to
influence or spread rumors but only inform with facts. I know it’s hard for journalists as well because so much
is hidden from them and us in the world today

Free Press and Free people must have integrity and critical thinking without private, selfish ulterior
motives or there is no freedom anywhere. Just good intentions to push someone’s or some countries plans
are not what we need. Free people cannot be trained or treated like a herd of captive lamb, as has been
done for centuries by entities who want their way - That is not Freedom (and Freedom needs protection &
responsibility. NOT anarchy, allowing ALL things or anything goes.)