Lopez Jaena fellows to PNoy: Enact FOI

We, the fellows of the 15th Graciano Lopez Jaena Worskshop for Community Journalism,

Asserting freedom of the press and freedom of expression as universal human rights;

Urging government to respect the Constitution and its international obligations;

Aware of the role of press as watchdog of the state; and

Cognizant of the role of transparency in democracy;

1. Push for the enactment of a genuine freedom of information bill that will open government to public scrutiny and hold public officials accountable;
2. Remind government of the principles of maximum disclosure and minimum limitations to public access to information;
3. Oppose efforts to bastardize the essence and spirit of the right to free access to information.

Signed this 25th of October, 2011 in the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Mass Communication, Quezon City.

Jesus Miguel Agreda

Sun.Star Baguio

Winnie Aguilar

ABS-CBN

Ferdinandh Cabrera

GMA 7

Cong B. Corrales

MindaNews

Ma. Cecilia de los Reyes

PCIJ

JB Deveza

Philippine Daily Inquirer

NUJP Mindanao Media Safety Office

Bobby Labalan

Media Solutions Bicol

Macky Macaspac

Pinoy Weekly

Ronalyn Olea

Bulatlat

Kim Patria

UP College of Mass Communication

Ryan Rosauro

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lady Ann Salem

Tudla Productions

Ritche Salgado

The Freeman (Cebu)

Raymund Villanueva

Kodao Productions

Michelle Zoleta

Philippine Star

Lopez Jaena fellows to government: End impunity

We, the fellows of the 15th Graciano Lopez Jaena Worskshop for Community Journalism,

Remembering our fallen colleagues who died in the line of duty, especially the 32 media workers who fell victim to the Ampatuan massacre;

Cognizant of the reality of violence that prevails in the Filipino society, not only against the press but even against civilians;

Alarmed by the culture of impunity that allows extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances; and

Reminded of the role of the free press in a democratic society,

1. Proclaim our condemnation of  human rights violations and demand an immediate end to the culture of impunity;
2.  Urge the government to take concrete action against perpetrators;
3. Commit to continued vigilance in our coverage of the trial of the Ampatuan massacre, other cases of extrajudicial killings, media killings and other attacks on press freedom;
4. Resolve to act as responsible journalists, guided by the principles of ethics and professionalism.

Signed this 25th of October, 2011 in the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Mass Communication, Quezon City.

Jesus Miguel Agreda

Sun.Star Baguio

Winnie Aguilar

ABS-CBN

Ferdinandh Cabrera

GMA 7

Cong B. Corrales

MindaNews

Ma. Cecilia de los Reyes

PCIJ

JB Deveza

Philippine Daily Inquirer

NUJP Mindanao Media Safety Office

Bobby Labalan

Media Solutions Bicol

Macky Macaspac

Pinoy Weekly

Ronalyn Olea

Bulatlat

Kim Patria

UP College of Mass Communication

Ryan Rosauro

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lady Ann Salem

Tudla Productions

Ritche Salgado

The Freeman (Cebu)

Raymund Villanueva

Kodao Productions

Michelle Zoleta

Philippine Star