MANILA, Philippines — On the observance of World Press Freedom Day, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) warned that the media landscape remains “under siege,” citing the persistent use of red-tagging and the tactical abuse of libel laws to silence critical reporting.
In a statement released on May 3, 2026, the journalists’ union highlighted that despite a shift in national leadership, the “infrastructure of intimidation” against the press has not been dismantled, but rather refined.
The NUJP report identifies two primary methods currently being used to stifle independent journalism in the Philippines:
- Systemic Red-Tagging: The union noted that community journalists and alternative media outlets continue to be labeled as “communist sympathizers” or “terrorists” by state agents and pro-government trolls. This practice, the NUJP argues, serves as a “prelude to physical harm or arbitrary arrest.”
- Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs): The group observed a rise in the use of criminal libel and cyberlibel as a “weapon of first resort” by public officials and influential figures. These cases, often filed in distant jurisdictions, are designed to drain the financial and emotional resources of newsrooms.
“Press freedom is not just about the absence of direct censorship; it is about the ability to report without the looming threat of a prison cell or a target on one’s back,” the NUJP stated.
The union pointed to several ongoing cases where local broadcasters and digital reporters have been forced to post bail multiple times for a single story, describing it as a “legal war of attrition.” The report also raised alarms over the continued blocking of certain news websites under government orders, which the union calls a “digital iron curtain.”
Coinciding with the global theme of press freedom, the NUJP renewed its call for the decriminalization of libel, arguing that it has become an obsolete law that serves only the powerful.
“If we are to truly claim to be a democracy, the truth should never be a crime,” the group added. They urged the Marcos administration to take “concrete steps” beyond rhetoric, such as:
- Abolishing the NTF-ELCAC’s practice of labeling journalists without evidence.
- Supporting legislation that protects journalists from retaliatory lawsuits.
- Ensuring the safety of media workers in the provinces, where they are most vulnerable.
Despite the challenges, the NUJP celebrated the “unyielding courage” of Filipino journalists who continue to cover the ongoing energy crisis, human rights issues, and government accountability.
The statement concluded with a reminder that a free press is the “best defense” against the misinformation and state-sponsored narratives that currently dominate the digital space.