The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) welcomes the report released by UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, which underscores issues related to press freedom and the safety of journalists and civil society actors in the Philippines.
The report acknowledges the positive steps undertaken by the government, such as the adoption of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists, the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, and recent legal reforms. However, we recognize that certain challenges persist, including attacks on journalists, delays in investigations, and vilification campaigns that continue to threaten free expression and the safety of media practitioners.
Despite these challenges, we are pleased to highlight significant progress in the media landscape. The Philippines recently experienced a considerable improvement in the Press Freedom Index, reflecting the country’s best ranking in 21 years. Additionally, for the first time in two decades, there were no reported killings of media personnel in 2024, marking a substantial milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect journalists.
PTFOMS remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing concrete reforms that align with international standards. We are actively working to enhance the capacity, independence, and institutional support for the Task Force while expanding collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, media partners, civil society, and international partners.
Our primary objective is to foster a safer environment that enables journalists to fulfill their vital roles without fear, ensuring that impunity for crimes against media workers is decisively addressed. PTFOMS values the constructive engagement of the international community and pledges to sustain efforts to uphold the right to freedom of expression, protect journalists, and promote a culture of respect, safety, and accountability.
We are dedicated to making tangible progress and ensuring that the Philippines continues to advance as a vibrant democracy where media freedom is firmly respected and protected. We thank UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan for her insights and recommendations, which we will carefully consider as we uphold our unwavering commitment to human rights, press freedom, and the rule of law in the Philippines.