Media Release: Philippines                                                                                                                             

February 6, 2013

The International Federation of Journalists joins its affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines in welcoming the Supreme Court decision on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, indefinitely extending the temporary restraining order on the implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Law.

The ruling is a victory for all those who oppose a statute that would serve to effectively stifle free expression, the free flow of information, the right to privacy and a host of other rights and freedoms.

While congratulating the lawyers who made a convincing argument as to why this law is unjust and everyone who stood firm in the defense of fundamental freedoms and human rights, the IFJ warns against complacency.

The IFJ joins the NUJP is calling for the removal of Cybercrime Prevention Law and calls on the government of the Philippines to enact the FOI bill immediately. “We are concerned that the government of the Philippines continues to delay the passing of the FOI bill, which clearly stands against their stated commitment to press freedom” IFJ said.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0950 

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

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