UN rapporteur urged to look into freedom of expression in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — An arts and media alliance called on a United Nations special rapporteur to fast-track an investigation into the threats to press freedom and the situation of the freedom of expression under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Let’s Organize for Democracy and Integrity (LODI) on the celebration of World Press Freedom Day Thursday sent a six-page petition to David Kaye, UN special rapporteur on the promotion of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

"We appeal for quick action from your end as President Duterte’s government rapidly constricts democratic space, especially that reserved by the constitution. LODI believes that freedom of the press and freedom of expression for all citizens cannot exist without another," the alliance said.

LODI stressed that the Philippine press is facing the “most serious challenges since the downfall of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos” citing attacks against journalists under the Duterte administration.

While he created the Presidential Task Force on Media Security in 2016 to address media killings, the president has repeatedly hurled tirades against reporters and media outlets who have been critical of his policies.

“President Duterte holds no monopoly on press freedom violations. But he stands out among Philippine leaders for his vicious displays of hostility toward journalists,” LODI said.

According to a recent report by local media watchdogs, there have been 85 cases of attacks against the Philippine press since Duterte assumed office in July 2016.

READ: Press groups count 85 attacks vs media under Duterte

Malacañang has repeatedly maintained that the president's moves and tirades are “not attacks on press freedom.”

LODI then urged Kaye, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, to come to the aid of professional journalists, members of alternative media and human rights workers.

“A combination of overt threats against truth-tellers and the lack of transparency in governance represent serious obstacles to groups and individuals that seek redress for attacks on right, as well as those that strive to combat corruption, social and economic injustice and other governance problems,” the alliance said.

RELATED: Suits by 'sensitive' senators threaten free speech

Terror tag, 'narco-list'

LODI also cited the government petition seeking to tag more than 600 individuals as terrorists. It called the list a “grave danger to freedom of expression.”

“It provides basis for attacks by the government military and law enforcement agencies. It also follows the pattern of President Duterte’s drug war, where lists gathered in helter-skelter fashion became the basis for a bloody program,” it said.

Under the law, the Anti-Terrorism Council can order the arrest of suspected terrorists even without a warrant.

READ: Terrorist petition a ‘virtual hit list’ — Human Rights Watch

The alliance, moreover, noted that the need for local and international rights defenders to speak out and come up with a comprehensive report on the supposed growing tyranny in the country has become more urgent with the release of the new list linking village officials to the illegal drug trade.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Monday bared the names of village chairmen and councilors included on the so-called “narco-list.”

“The new list targets officials of basic governance units. It coincides with the homestretch of campaigns for village elections,” LODI said.

READ: 207 village officials on PDEA ‘narco-list’ amid fears of becoming death squad targets