
08/10/2025
Philippines Reaffirms Commitment to Media Workers' Rights and Safety at 5th EU-Philippines Subcommittee Meeting on Governance and Human Rights
The Philippine Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and
safety of media workers during the 5th Philippines-European Union Subcommittee Meeting
on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights held in Brussels, Belgium, on October
6, 2025.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) underscored ongoing efforts to
protect media workers through legal reforms and capacity-building initiatives. PTFOMS
Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. highlighted the Task Force's initiatives to combat media-
related violence, ensure journalist safety, and counter misinformation and defamation.
“PTFOMS serves as a cornerstone in upholding democratic values and journalistic integrity in
the Philippines," said Undersecretary Torres. He emphasized legislative priorities, including
the decriminalization of libel, the Media Workers Welfare Bill, and the implementation of
safety and security training workshops.
To enhance journalists' digital safety, the Task Force proposed cybersecurity training
workshops and activities focusing on ethical journalism to reinforce accuracy, fairness, and
accountability, essential for restoring public trust in media.
A thorough review of cases involving attacks on media dating back to 1986 is currently
underway, aimed at ensuring justice and resolution. Regular consultations with local media
workers ensure that these efforts address the real-world challenges faced by journalists.
Recent collaborations with the Public Attorney's Office and the Commission on Human Rights
have been formalized, providing essential legal aid and protection to media personnel.
The meeting included key representatives such as European Union Ambassador to the
Philippines H.E. Massimo Santoro, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Deena
Joy D. Amatong, who led the delegation, as well as officials from the Department of Budget
and Management led by Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, Department of Justice
Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, and officials from the Supreme Court, Climate
Change Commission, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,
Department of Migrant Workers, Department of the Interior and Local Government,
Republic of the Philippines
Office of the President
PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON MEDIA SECURITY
Presidential Human Rights Committee, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of
Corrections, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Security Council, and the
Philippine National Police.