By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(May 3, 2025) – A media organization on Saturday stressed that the rise of the Philippines in this year’s World Press Index does not reflect a real improvement in press freedom in the country.
The Philippines rose to 116th in 2025 from 134th in 2024—its highest in more than 20 years—in the annual ranking released by Reporters Without Borders on Friday.
In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) claimed that the country’s higher ranking was partly because of a “global decline in press freedom.”
“On the ground, this does not mean better conditions for ordinary media workers, and even a plurality of reliable sources of information for the public,” said NUJP in a statement.
The NUJP furthered that the struggle for press freedom, media safety, job security, and economic rights continues, citing recent incidents.
“We call on fellow media workers to continue discussing workplace condition—which include wages, job security as well as safety—organize for mutual aid and for a stronger voice in the newsroom, and to join campaigns on these issues,” added the group.
On Tuesday, Johnny Dayang, a veteran journalist and former director of the National Press Club, was murdered at his residence in Kalibo, Aklan. He is the sixth journalist killed under the administration of Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. after Percival Mabasa, Renato Blanco, Federico Gempesaw, Cresenciano Bunduquin, and Juan Jumalon.
NUJP has documented 177 attacks and violations against press freedom since Marcos assumed the presidency.
Marcos has maintained that he will uphold press freedom, saying the media plays a pivotal role in society.
The NUJP also called on the public to support journalism, emphasizing the need for a strong community for an independent press to thrive.
“While our jobs require us to observe objectivity, our existence as media workers and as citizens just as equally demand that we take part in the conversations and actions that shape our working environment and our society,” said NUJP.
(PM)
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