In making this call, the groups pointed out that democracy relies heavily on the ability of journalists to transmit information, report abuses, and contribute to public debate. “When journalists are unable to do their work in safety, we ultimately lose our defense against propaganda, disinformation and misinformation. Killings and other crimes of impunity – which seek to silence journalists – are a serious threat to press freedom and free expression. These have to end if democracy is to survive,” the groups said. With this situation in view, the groups said there is no wonder that the Committee to Protect Journalists’ 2020 Global Impunity Index ranks the Philippines seventh among countries where journalists are killed and their killers go free.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 02, 2020 08:37 UTC