Continued protection for Filipino journalists pushed
Amid high global impunity ranking
AS the Philippines ranks 9th in the Global Impunity Index for journalist killings, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has underscored the urgent need for enhanced protections for Filipino media workers.
The country remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists, joining nations like Somalia, Iraq, and Mexico, where justice for murdered journalists is rare. The ranking, issued by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), highlights unresolved killings of journalists and the high rate of impunity in the Philippines.
Senator Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Public Information, expressed concern over the challenges media workers face and emphasized the critical role they play in a democratic society.
Recalling past efforts to safeguard the media, Go highlighted the establishment of the Task Force on Media Security under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, reaffirming his commitment to supporting media safety.
As a legislator, he has advocated for stronger safeguards through Senate Bill No. 1183, also known as the Media and Entertainment Workers Welfare Act, which he filed earlier. The proposed law aims to reinforce media worker protections and provide enhanced benefits across all platforms, including broadcast, print, and digital media.
Under this measure, media employers would be required to establish written contracts with employees to ensure equitable treatment and uphold journalists’ rights. This includes provisions for health insurance, overtime and night differential pay, hazard pay, and other essential benefits to protect media workers from unfair treatment and exploitation.
“We must ensure that our media professionals are properly supported and compensated, particularly given the critical nature of their work,” Go emphasized.
Go also reiterated, “Hindi matatawaran ang kontribusyon ng ating mga mamamahayag sa ating bansa. Sila ang nagdadala ng boses ng katotohanan sa ating mga mamamayan, kahit na ang kapalit nito ay sariling nilang kaligtasan. Kaya’t kailangan nating tiyakin na sila ay protektado at may sapat na benepisyo at seguridad sa kanilang trabaho.”
Further advocating for media workers’ welfare, Go co-authored Republic Act 11996, or the Eddie Garcia Law, which mandates fair working hours, equitable pay, and inclusivity for all media and television workers. Named after the late actor Eddie Garcia, the law enforces just working conditions and ensures fair treatment for media personnel regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion.
Through these efforts, Senator Go aims to safeguard journalists and media workers from both financial and physical risks, calling for stronger national protections and a more robust justice system to break the cycle of impunity that has plagued the country’s media industry.
Go also made a call to the national government to work together in ensuring a safer environment for journalists. “Panahon na para magkaisa ang ating mga ahensya at lahat ng sektor ng lipunan upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at proteksyon ng ating mga mamamahayag. Sila rin ay mga bayani ng ating bayan, nagbibigay ng mahalagang serbisyo at impormasyon sa ating mga kababayan. Sama-sama nating tiyakin na walang makakapigil sa kanilang paglilingkod nang may kalayaan at kasiguruhan.”
