Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines

Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines Official page of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) This tradition lives on.

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) was borne out of necessity in 1974, shortly after the Southeast Asian country was placed under martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. As his government began curtailing freedom of the press, a few foreign correspondents led by Teodoro Benigno, then the bureau chief of Agence France-Presse, created the institution that challenged the narrative of the authoritarian regime to the world. Amidst all the media darkness at that time, FOCAP held court under full lights, and has continued to do so the past 45 years. The group’s constitution and by-laws say, among other things, that FOCAP was formed to “achieve an effective and harmonious relationship between the government and the working members of the foreign press.” It effectively meant that the organization was offering itself as a bulwark against efforts to intimidate and harass the foreign press, a guiding principle that FOCAP carries to this day. As the Marcos government cracked down on the press, padlocking press offices and detaining journalists for reports that questioned excesses, members of FOCAP continued with their work and relentlessly stood their ground.

FOCAP HOSTS PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LUNCHEONThe Foreign Correspondents Association of the Phi...
15/08/2026

FOCAP HOSTS PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LUNCHEON

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) hosted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the traditional Presidential Luncheon on August 14, 2026, at the Manila Diamond Hotel.

At the event attended by journalists, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and business leaders, President Marcos responded to questions about tensions in the South China Sea, the US-led Pax Silica initiative, corruption in government infrastructure projects, Vice President Sara Duterte and succession plans for the 2028 election.

FOCAP/Chantal Eco

FOCAP TO HOST PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. ON AUGUST 14The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCA...
07/08/2026

FOCAP TO HOST PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. ON AUGUST 14

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) will host President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the traditional Presidential Luncheon on August 14, 2026 at Diamond Ballroom, Manila Diamond Hotel.

The flagship FOCAP event provides a unique forum for dialogue between the President of the Republic of the Philippines and members of the foreign media.

During the event, the President will respond to questions on economic, foreign policy and national governance issues.

The event will also bring together journalists, editors, members of the diplomatic corps and business community as well as government officials.

The entrance fees are as follows:
FOCAP Members: ₱3,500.00 per person
Non-FOCAP Participants: ₱4,000.00 per person

Kindly confirm your attendance by August 12, 2026 through this link: https://bit.ly/FOCAPLuncheon2026

Slots are limited so kindly register early. A ₱2,000.00 deposit is required to confirm your slot.

For any questions or concerns, you may reach FOCAP’s Head of Secretariat Matthew Yuching through email ([email protected]) or Viber (+63 962 968 2559).

FOCAP VOICES SERIOUS CONCERN OVER POLICE HARASSMENTThe Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) is ...
22/07/2026

FOCAP VOICES SERIOUS CONCERN OVER POLICE HARASSMENT

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) is gravely concerned over the reported harassment of photojournalists by police officers during a protest related to the ASEAN meeting in Pasay City.

One of the photojournalists is Bullit Marquez, a former FOCAP member and Associated Press staff photographer. Marquez said officers attempted to prevent him from photographing arrests and tried to handcuff him, causing his cameras to fall to the ground.

Such actions are unacceptable. Journalists must be able to carry out their work without intimidation, obstruction, or threats.

FOCAP welcomes the Southern Police District statement to investigate the incident as it reminds authorities that a free press is fundamental to democracy and the public's right to know.

Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/4yEo0gM

FOCAP STATEMENT ON ARREST OF MARCHEL ESPINAThe Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) expresses g...
18/07/2026

FOCAP STATEMENT ON ARREST OF MARCHEL ESPINA

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) expresses grave concern over the unjust vexation charges against Bacolod-based journalist Marchel Espina and four others. The lawsuit stemmed from an opinion piece that criticized the religious sect’s political ties. The minister who filed the case said the article caused him torment and distress.

While it is the right of every citizen to seek legal redress, the law must never be weaponized to intimidate journalists or stifle free speech. Opinion pieces that are grounded on facts have long been a pillar of journalism and democratic discourse.

You may read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/3RdRzF3

Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines presents its Board of Trustees, for the year 2026-2027:Cliff Venzo...
17/06/2026

Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines presents its Board of Trustees, for the year 2026-2027:

Cliff Venzon, Bloomberg News - President
Mara Cepeda, The Strait Times - Vice President
Yasmin Coles, Freelance - Secretary
Jerome Morales - Bloomberg News - Treasurer
Ara Eugenio, Agence France-Presse - Trustee
Barnaby Lo, Al Jazeera English - Trustee
Chantal Eco , Deutsche Welle (DW) - Trustee
Geela Garcia, Freelance - Trustee
Jes Aznar, Freelance - Trustee
Karen Lema, Reuters - Ex-Officio Trustee

FOCAP REJECTS SENATOR MARCOLETA'S 'PAID HACKS' CLAIMThese unfounded allegations do not uphold the standards of fairness,...
05/06/2026

FOCAP REJECTS SENATOR MARCOLETA'S 'PAID HACKS' CLAIM

These unfounded allegations do not uphold the standards of fairness, accountability, and responsibility expected of public officials. Criticism of the media is legitimate when supported by facts, but broad attacks that undermine the credibility of journalists as a whole only weaken public trust in institutions and informed public discourse.

Rather than tarnish the media through unsubstantiated claims, public officials who profess a commitment to truth should support the work of journalists in verifying facts, uncovering the truth, and helping the public make sense of events that shape our society.

You may read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/4ojUwzV

FOCAP STATEMENT ON THE SENATE SHOOTING INCIDENTWhile news reporting inherently carries risks, they are often calculated ...
23/05/2026

FOCAP STATEMENT ON THE SENATE SHOOTING INCIDENT

While news reporting inherently carries risks, they are often calculated and undertaken with preparation and predictability. We routinely embed ourselves with security forces and law enforcement as part of our duty to inform the public and ensure transparency. But it is disturbing, to say the least, when journalists are put in harm’s way under circumstances that remain unclear.

We urge authorities across all branches of government to respect the role of the press while also prioritizing their safety. Freedom of the press and the security of those who practice it are not mutually exclusive.

You may read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/3Pkj4Ml

Vibrant, meaningful, and much-needed discussions brought to life this year's Romeo Gacad Lecture on Lecture on Visual Jo...
23/05/2026

Vibrant, meaningful, and much-needed discussions brought to life this year's Romeo Gacad Lecture on Lecture on Visual Journalism.

Over 200 visual storytellers watched in-person and remotely as our fieldwork-sharpened experts talked about the critical role of photo editors, and the continuing fight for diversity, representation, and remembering.

FOCAP would like to express endless gratitude to our speakers Martin San Diego, Geela Garcia, Jennifer Samuel, Faith Brown, Fruhlein Econar, Ezra Acayan, and Raffy Lerma for sharing your expertise, and to our moderators Jhesset Enano and Regine Cabato for helping us in navigating the discussions.

We would also like to thank our sponsors for making this possible: SM Investments Inc., Citicore Renewables, Sony Philippines, PLDT-SMART, and the International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Photos by Rico Cruz, Martin San Diego, Earvin Perias, and Geela Garcia

The lineup is set. We will see you on May 22, 2026 (Friday) at Lanson Place, Pasay City, or through our livestream!��Kin...
20/05/2026

The lineup is set.

We will see you on May 22, 2026 (Friday) at Lanson Place, Pasay City, or through our livestream!��Kindly check your emails and confirm your attendance.

For those who have not received an email confirmation, worry not! You will receive an invitation link to access our livestream so everyone can join this year’s lecture.

Final reminders for the lecture, as well as the link to access it online have been sent to registered participant's emai...
20/05/2026

Final reminders for the lecture, as well as the link to access it online have been sent to registered participant's emails.

The registration form will close after today, May 20.

REGISTER NOW: https://bit.ly/FOCAPRomyGacad2026

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