World Press Freedom Day

Today is World Press Freedom Day and sad to say the Philippines is considered the “most murderous country for journalists. That is shocking considering how we’re a nation with a free press.

Since 1986, 52 journalists have been murdered and only 1 case has been successfully prosecuted. Reporters Without Borders reports that “A culture of impunity reigns, for which the highest government authorities are responsible”

I’ve always had this idea of the Philippines, in spite of its flaws, to be an open society where people can and are encouraged to express their opinions (unlike other countries) but then I remember this is also a country where perpretrators believe themselves (and in many cases are) to be above the law.

Further reading : Reporters without Borders Annual Report