FORMER Congresswoman and current Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Rowena Niña Taduran called for the revival of the Media Workers Welfare Bill in Congress as media workers continue to be in danger and unprotected while they fulfill their duties.

This as Taduran condemned the ambush and killing of radio commentator Percival Mabasa, 63, popularly known as Percy Lapid.

Silencing the media through violence and threats should stop, said Taduran.

“Napakamapanganib ng trabaho ng media, kaya’t kailangang may batas na magbibigay sa kanila ng seguridad. Pinilit nating maipasa ang Media Workers Welfare Bill subalit nabitin sa nakaraang Senado. Nananawagan ako sa ating mga mambabatas ngayon na buhayin muli ito upang mabigyan ng proteksyon ang mga manggagawa sa media, at gayundin ang kanilang maiiwanang mahal sa buhay,” said Taduran.

The Undersecretary also expressed concern over the other still unsolved murders of media persons in the country which the Global Impunity Index is currently observing.

“Ang ilang mga kaso ay nasa korte na pero gaano naman kabilis ang pag-usad nito sa korte? Kailan nila makakamit ang hustisya? At natulungan ba ang mga mahal nila sa buhay na naiwanan nila?” asked Taduran.

“If we had a law protecting the media workers, this will greatly contribute in protecting the rights of all who work in media, whether in front or behind the scenes,” said Taduran.

Empowering and protecting the members of the Fourth Estate will greatly improve the delivery of truth and information, said the DSWD official who was also a member of the media.

Recently, another radio man from Negros Oriental, Renato “Rey” Blanco was stabbed to death in Negros Oriental.

According to Reporters Without Borders, an international watchdog, at least 187 media persons were killed in the past 35 years in the country.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco