30/08/2025
๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฌ | (๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฌ) ๐จ๐ก๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ง๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐, ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข๐
Journalists bravely risk their lives to uncover and share the truth behind every piece of information, issue, and challenge our country faces โ with unwavering courage and conviction, undeterred by the potential consequences of speaking out.
Today, August 30, 2025 a commemorative ceremony was held to mark the 175th birth anniversary of Marcelo H. Del Pilar. The event was organized by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, the Association of Philippine Journalists (APJ)โSamahang Plaridel Foundation Inc., and the Manila Police District. The Philippines celebrates National Press Freedom Day in honor of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, venerated as the Father of Philippine Journalism, who sought the countryโs freedom with nothing more than a pen and paper. This day also serves to acknowledge journalists who refuse to remain silent โ those who choose to speak out with integrity, driven by the pursuit of truth and accountability.
Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms: โNo law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.โ Meaning Press freedom guarantees journalists the right to disseminate information without interference or intimidation โ to express, publish, and communicate ideas, facts, and opinions without fear of censorship or repression. However, it does not extend to defamation, hate speech, or incitement to violence. This freedom ensures that the public continues to receive accurate and transparent information.
Voices that are not silenced, and pens that write freely, are essential to safeguarding and sustaining our democracy. The voices of journalists echo the voice of the people. They do not merely report the news; they illuminate realities what might otherwise remain hidden. Let us stand in solidarity with those who seek the truth โ and continue to uphold it.
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Words by Janna Lea Nacpil
Photo from Rappler