The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday revealed that it has started talks with United States-based organizations on how “to better protect” press freedom in the Philippines.
The IBP said the meeting was held last June 30 with officials of the American Bar Association-Rule of Law Initiative (ABA-ROLI), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and non-profit organization Internews.
“The political climate in the Philippines, with respect to the media, has been dismal over the last several years. During the past administration, widespread red-tagging and attacks of journalists have sown fear and discontent in the minds of journalists and people alike, citing the violation of their right to press freedom,” the IBP said, in a statement.
The country’s mandatory lawyers’ organization stressed that the US-based organizations have in common with the IBP.
“A shared recognition of the universally accepted principle that the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press are the bedrock of a healthy democracy,” the IBP noted.
During the meeting, the IBP said the organizations were able “to discuss protecting and defending press freedom while ensuring the accountability of journalists.”
“It is proposed that through local media councils, these objectives will be met,” it said.
It explained that, for instance, media councils could “aid in defending freedom of press by making statements about rights violations or defend or represent journalists who are subject and may be subject to these attacks.”
The IBP added media councils can also ensure “accountability of journalists, media councils may act as mediators and can provide another avenue for alternative modes of dispute resolution, thereby assisting in the continuing effort to unclog court dockets.”
“For the same reason, this can also be another way to inform the people about the current issues just as they are happening,” it said.
The IBP said it “supports a Change Initiative to strengthen local media councils.”
“This will be done by collaborating with the Philippine Press Institute in three pilot areas: Batangas, Iloilo, and Davao,” it said.
“Pursuant to this, the IBP has invited the ABA-ROLI and Internews to work together to implement the Change Initiative,” the IBP added.