As the campaign period for the May 2025 midterm elections draws near, the Movement for Media Safety Philippines calls on both national and local government units, the Commission on Elections, all aspiring candidates and their political parties, as well as law enforcement officials to ensure safe and unhampered media coverage.
It is in the interest of all stakeholders — from government to candidates to Filipino voters — to protect the safety and rights of journalists and media workers covering the midterm polls. A safe media environment is crucial to ensuring clean, credible, and orderly elections.
Attacks on journalists are considered violations of the media’s role under the Fair Election Act or Republic Act 9006, the Omnibus Election Code, or the Revised Penal Code, as the case may be.
We call on members of the media to report any act of threat, harassment, illegal detention, torture, or physical violence during the election coverage to mediasafetyph@gmail.com or to the NUJP Safety Hotline 09602784263.
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Edalyn B. Acta of The Capiz Times is among the signatories of this statement.
