Vibrant and Mature PH Freedom of Expression Landscape Cited by UN Special Rapporteur
Undersecretary Charles Jose and other DFA officials discuss freedom of opinion and expression in the Philippines with UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan on 25 January 2024. (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
PASAY 26 January 2024 – Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Hon. Charles C. Jose reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to human rights and freedom of opinion and expression in a meeting with United Nations Special Rapporteur (UN SR) on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Ms. Irene Khan, on 25 January 2024, at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Undersecretary Jose shared the Philippines' proven track record in enabling civil society organizations and media to serve as a “strong and important pillar in the country's democracy.”
He emphasized the vibrancy of the Philippines as the oldest democratic Republic in Asia, with over 2,000 private media outlets, and a zealous commitment to sustaining democratic order through a constitutionally protected freedom of expression.
Ms. Khan conveyed that her current visit acknowledges the Philippines’ “mature media landscape represented by its long history of open media, especially among Asian countries.”
“The Philippines has open and constructive engagements with UN Special Rapporteurs and UN Treaty Bodies, showcasing our commitment to international cooperation on human rights issues,” noted Undersecretary Jose.
Recent visits of UN Special Rapporteurs include those of the SR on on the sale and exploitation of children, Ms. Mama Fatima Singhateh, in December 2022, Dr. Morris Tidball-Binz, SR on Arbitrary Executions in February 2023, Dr. Claudia Mahler, SR on Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Older Persons in August 2023 (in an academic capacity), and Dr. Ian Fry, SR on climate change and human rights in November 2023.
Discussions centered around Ms. Khan’s advocacies, including human rights and social justice reforms. According to Undersecretary Jose, the meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the Philippines’ progress in upholding freedom of expression.
During the meeting, SR Khan shared her initial observations after her third day in the country, noting the potential for building greater trust between civil society and the State. Undersecretary Jose acknowledged the importance of dialogue between human rights stakeholders and shared the positive steps the Philippine Government has taken through, among others, the appointment of former journalists to influential government positions.
The DFA also highlighted the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) as a symbol of support for freedom of expression and a reflection of the elevated status of journalists in the country. The PTFOMS is one of the only institutions in the world with a dedicated mandate to protect the life, liberty, and security of media workers.
In closing, Undersecretary Jose expressed assurances of the government’s support to SR Khan on her visit, and in the consultations on her report that she will submit to the Human Rights Council.
DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza, Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela, Deputy Assistant Secretary Jesus Enrique Garcia II, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Gonaranao B. Musor joined the meeting.
Ms. Irene Khan is on an official visit to the Philippines and will travel to Tacloban, Cebu, and Baguio City. Her visit will conclude on 2 February 2024. END
