The NUJP is once again accusing the government of harassing, restricting, and silencing journalism

The NUJP is once again accusing the government of harassing, restricting, and silencing journalism and claims that the government is restricting press freedom.

This statement comes in view of the SEC decision to shut down Rappler, the NTC order to internet service providers to block Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly and the NTC order to regulate blocktime broadcasting arrangements.

The NUJP's statement is a discordant response to the issues it raised.

First, the SEC has valid legal grounds to shut down Rappler. In this country of laws, no one is above the law.

No one.

Definitely not Rappler.

Second, the NTC has more than sufficient cause and reason to order the blocking of Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly.

The NSA made sure that his letter request is based on undisputed hard facts and evidence [which the NUJP and all other pocket reactionary groups have refused to perceive and understand objectively] that would warrant the issuance of the NTC order.

Third, the regulation of blocktime broadcasting arrangements is a reasonable exercise of regulatory powers by the NTC.

When these issues are seen from an objective point of view, the fears being allayed by the NUJP is more imaginary than real.

The mere fact that the NUJP can react and criticize freely the actions of government agencies in the aforementioned issues simply demonstrate and showcase the fact that freedom of expression and press freedom is very much alive in this country.

If the NUJP so intends, they can criticize the government on a daily basis but that will not change the fact that the government agencies like the SEC and the NTC have their respective mandates to implement the law and exercise their regulatory powers as allowed under our laws.

NUJP must stick to facts and must be prudent enough not to draw conclusions from assumptions nor preconceived notions.

Journalism must always remain in the service of the truth,

it should not be subservient to the vested interests of any person or group.

Otherwise, it is not journalism in the truest sense of the word.

It is already engaging in the realm of propaganda.

And this government of laws,

will not compromise its principles of upholding the rule of law by reacting to propaganda.

Flosemer Chris Gonzales

Spokesperson for Legal Affairs, NTF-ELCAC

June 29, 2022