Bill seeks to expand Sotto Law provision to online journalists

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives' Committee on Public Information has endorsed for plenary passage a bill seeking to extend to online journalists the coverage on the media's right to refuse to reveal the source of a confidentially obtained news report.

The House panel chaired by Misamis Occidental Rep. Jorge Almonte earlier approved Committee Report 50 on the House Bill 362 or  "An Act amending R.A. No. 53, as amended, otherwise known as 'An Act to exempt the Publisher, Editor, or Reporter of any Publication from revealing the source of published news or information obtained in confidence' by including within its coverage journalists from broadcast, news agencies and internet publications."

The bill is authored principally by Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar, Cagayan de Oro City Rep.  Rufus Rodriguez, Abante Mindanao Rep.  Maximo Rodriguez and Northern Samar Rep. Harlin Abayon.

Republic Act No. 53 or "The Sotto Law" has been the journalist's privilege statute, which ensures he can refuse to reveal the source of a confidential news report or information except when the court or a Committee of Congress finds that the revelation is demanded by the security of the State.

"The reason for the rule is that the identity of sources of a confidential news information must be protected, otherwise the spring of data for news or commentary dries up and the mission of the press to check and balance and expose wrongdoing is impeded," Del Mar said.

The bill expands the coverage of the confidentiality of the source to broadcast journalists, news agencies and internet publications that are not covered by the Sotto Law.

"Protection extends to the publisher, station manager and/or manager, bureau chief, editor, news editor, writer or reporter, correspondents, opinion columnists or commentators, cartoonists, photographers, or any practitioner involved in the gathering, writing, editing of and commenting on the news," the bill states.

"The current privilege applies only to the publisher, editor, columnist or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation. The law is silent about journalists from broadcast stations, news or wire agencies, and internet newspapers, magazines and other publications," it says.