CATBALOGAN, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) have formalized a partnership aimed at better protecting journalists in the country.
The two agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 27, 2025, at the CHR Central Office in Quezon City. The move comes as media workers continue to face threats, harassment, and violence on the job.
CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc, who also heads the CHR Expanded Task Force on Media-Related Killings, signed the agreement with PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose A. Torres Jr. The signing was witnessed by CHR Commissioner Beda A. Epres, who leads the Task Force’s investigation component, and Ann Lourdes Lopez of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, representing the media sector.
The latest World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders showed the Philippines improving its ranking to 116th out of 180 countries, up from 134th last year. Still, journalists continue to face serious risks—including red-tagging, cyberattacks, intimidation, and in some cases, deadly violence.
The agreement signals a stronger commitment from both institutions to protect press freedom, as guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution. It also builds on previous joint efforts, including the 2023 National Media Forum hosted by CHR, which brought together government agencies and media groups to discuss threats to press freedom. That forum called for closer institutional cooperation—now made official through this MOA.
Key provisions in the agreement include faster response to threats against media workers, improved coordination in investigating human rights violations, and financial support for journalists under attack. The deal also pushes for policies that integrate human rights standards into the country’s media security framework.
The partnership supports the goals of the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists (PPASJ), particularly in advancing protection measures, strengthening legal responses, and building collaborative mechanisms between government and civil society.
In his message, CHR Chair Palpal-latoc stressed the critical role of journalists in upholding democracy.
“Media workers help ensure transparency, demand accountability, and give voice to the voiceless. When their safety is compromised, the rule of law is put to the test—and we must defend it,” he said.
Torres, for his part, said the agreement must be backed by action.
“This partnership requires courage and follow-through. We must respond quickly to danger, investigate with integrity, support survivors, and fix the broken systems that allow attacks to continue,” he said.
By working together, the CHR and PTFoMS aim to create a safer environment for journalists—one where they can report freely, hold power to account, and inform the public without fear. (via Ricky Bautista)
