The IFJ has protested to the Government of the Philippines in the following letter:
23 September 2003
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacanang Palace
Republic of the Philippines
Via email: [email protected]
Dear President,
The International Federation of Journalists, (IFJ) the global organisation of journalists, representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is concerned over the attempt at censorship at radio station DxMV-Radyo Ukay.
According to our information, Mayor Galario padlocked the radio station DxMV-Radyo Ukay on Thursday, September 17 at approximately 6am. His reason for taking this drastic action was because the station was apparently allowing broadcasters not accredited from Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) to anchor its programs. Galario criticised the radio station, claiming that it failed to regulate its programs and was allowing itself to be used for political slandering.
The IFJ reminds the Government of the Philippines that it is completely inappropriate for an individual to take this kind of action against any media organisation if ethical violations have been committed it is imperative that an individual takes the appropriate action and file a complaint before the KBP or the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) and not to take matters into their own hands.
The IFJ asks the Government of the Philippines to recognise the importance of an independent media and press freedom. Censorship of the media by politicians for political reasons is not acceptable under any circumstances.
The IFJ asks the Government of the Philippines to ensure press freedom and safety of all journalists working in the Philippines.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President, IFJ
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacanang Palace
Republic of the Philippines
Via email: [email protected]
Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at [email protected]
For more information contact: Jacqui Park at [email protected]