By LLANESCA T. PANTI, GMA Integrated News
The Commission on Human Rights has expressed concern over the Presidential Communications Office's new accreditation guidelines for journalists and media entities covering the President and Malacañang, even after the PCO deferred their implementation.
In a statement, the constitutional body took exception to the requirement that a media organization should have existed for at least five years before a member of its staff is accredited to cover the President and the Palace.
"The CHR expresses deep concern over the new media accreditation guidelines released by the PCO on April28,2025," the CHR said.
"Although implementation has been pushed back after a meeting with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) Inc., the CHR is hopeful that there will be a more thorough review of the guidelines to ensure that there will be no unintended infringements on press freedom following their implementation,” it added.
“Byrequiring media organizations to have existed for a minimum of five years before gaining accreditation, the guidelines effectively discriminate against newer entrants in the media landscape," the CHR said.
"As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission reiterates that a free press is not a privilege granted by the state. It is a right held by the people,” it added.
GMA News Online has sought the PCO's comment and will publish it as soon as it is available.
The CHR also cited vague terms in the guidelines, such as “false reporting”.
"[This term] raises the risk of misuse, as such terms may be weaponized against matters concerning censorship.Democracy cannot flourish without a vigilant, independent, and critical media,"the CHR said.
The CHR invoked Article 3, Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution, which explicitly prohibitsany law or policy that abridges the freedom of speech, of expression, or the press.
"With the parameters set by the PCO, these [proposed new] guidelines might pose unintended threats to the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Philippine Constitution and affirmed by various international human rights frameworks," the CHR said.
“In line with the principles of transparency and good governance, the Commission believes that journalism—particularly the coverage of government affairs, including Malacañang as a prime beat—must not be subjected to undue barriers or administrative sanctions that impede critical inquiry and public discourse,” it added.
Further, the CHR said Article 3, Section 7 of the Constitution also guaranteed the right of the people to information on matters of public concern, while Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of which the Philippines is a State Party “affirm the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas without interference.”
The CHR called on the PCO and other relevant agencies to craft guidelines that reflect the principles of press freedom, transparency, and the right to information as enshrined in Philippine laws and international human rights standards by consulting with all relevant stakeholders, including media outlets.
"The Commission acknowledges the decision of the PCO to defer the implementation of the new guidelines following the MPC’s advice," the CHR said.
"While recognizing the PCO’s position on the need for an accreditation process considering the sensitive nature of Malacañang as a news assignment, it should not be at the expense of press freedom,” it added.
“In the same vein, the Commission also recognizes the responsibility of media organizations to uphold ethical standards in journalism,” the CHR said. –NB, GMA Integrated News
