Philippines slides down 2 places in 2024 World Press Freedom IndexDemonstrators light candles at a rally calling for justice following the murder of a Philippine radio broadcaster, in Quezon City in suburban Manila on October 4, 2022. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has sunk two spots to place 134th out of 180 countries in this year's World Press Freedom Index, with media conditions continuing to fall below the standards of a free press even without a government openly hostile to journalists. This development reflects warnings by press freedom advocates that Marcos' milder approach to the media — a departure from Duterte's repeated verbal abuse to journalists — is only half the story. While the watchdog noted that fewer "violent attacks" have taken place under Marcos, "harassment by means of threats and 'red-tagging' persists." De Santos said that the Philippines' poorer performance in RSF's 2024 press freedom index should prompt the government to take action on the more worrying aspects of the media environment in the country.

Source: Philippine Star May 03, 2024 14:54 UTC