unang liham !ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ x
TOUCH ME NOT :
KEEPING FREE PRESS FREE
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ㅤBut right now, your right to know what’s happening in the world around you is being threatened. These threats come in many forms, but one of the biggest is taking your right to know for granted.
ㅤWhat would the Philippines become without access to the information that is crucial to our daily lives? We’re already losing access to some of it. Learn more about the threats and how you can protect your right to know. Because to remain free, we must be informed. Thus, LIHAM is an advocacy built to fight for freedom through words.
ㅤWhen journalists are silenced, society suffers. A free and vocal press informs, opens dialogue, makes our voices heard, and holds those in power—leaders, businesses, institutions, and governments—accountable.
ㅤYou have a right to be informed, no matter what kind of information is important to you.
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Disclaimer : This advocacy was prepared and accomplished by Erika Bianca Sanchez in her personal capacity. The opinions expressed and the content added are the author's own and do not reflect the view of the related or mentioned institutions and organizations.
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ikalawang liham !ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ x
ㅤJournalists and publications in the Philippines which have challenged populist president Rodrigo Duterte have faced increased attacks over the last year, ranging from insults to state-initiated court cases. Since his election in 2016, Duterte has vilified journalists, vowing to get back at those he felt had wronged him during the election and those who have been critical of his policies. The Philippines has become notorious for impunity.
So, why is this relevant?
ikatlong liham !ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ x
ㅤWhen our leaders threaten journalists, they are threatening our rights. Freedom of expression is a universal human right. It is not the prerogative of the politician. Nor is it the privilege of the journalist. In their day-to-day work, journalists are simply exercising every citizen’s right to free speech. However, the fight for press freedom in the Philippines has been a never-ending battle—the country remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists today.
ㅤWe urge the government to ensure that journalists can carry out their work free from violence and intimidation and fulfill their role as public “watchdogs,” including holding public authorities accountable for their decisions and actions.
ㅤWe call on authorities to provide adequate protection to journalists to help them continue their work in a safe working environment free from violence and intimidation. Press freedom predators and violators should be held accountable, especially if they hold the highest position of the government.
ㅤAnd we call on the public to be critical and vigilant in the upcoming May 2022 election and elect public officials that uphold and take actions to respect, protect and fulfill freedom of expression and press freedom.
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huling liham !ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ x
Join the movement, spread the word:
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- Use #FreeThePress on social media to:
ㅤAcknowledge threats, show your support, highlight great reporting, raise awareness, build solidarity, and inspire action on behalf of journalists imprisoned around the world.
- Support press freedom in the Philippines:
ㅤFollow and read independent media sources.
ㅤLearn how to fact check.
ㅤDonate and join LIHAM’s campaign.
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