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EDITORIAL
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January 19, 2018
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(We yield this space to the statement of Kabataan party-lust due to its timeliness. – Ed.)
THE REVOCATION of Rappler’s certificate of incorporation only proves how the Duterte administration is hell-bent on eliminating all dissenters. We all know how Rappler has been threatened by the Duterte administration ever since they have been releasing news reports criticizing his war on drugs. What is worse is this can possibly only be the start of Duterte’s “purge” of media institutions that criticize his regime.
We strongly denounce this blatant attack on press freedom and the madman president’s attempt to generate a “chilling effect” on all who contradict his policies and programs. Aside from being reminiscent of how the Marcos dictatorship censured mass media institutions, this is also similar to repressive policies done by educational institutions. Today, university and college publications also experience a “chilling effect” whenever they publish articles and news reports that expose corruption, abuse of power, and corruption not only of university and schools officials but also national and local politicians and government institutions.
It is also ironic how the Securities and Exchange Commission revoked Rappler’s license due to foreign ownership, but the Duterte administration is currently pushing for a charter change that allows mass media to be a hundred percent foreign-owned.
If anything, this should be a wakeup call for everyone to strongly stand against the Duterte regime. As if the control of government institutions is not yet enough — with Congress acting as rubberstamp, the judiciary and its chief now under attack, and all other heads of agencies replaced with minions of the president — Duterte and his administration will soon make his full blown attack to take control of the mass media, as well.
The fight against tyranny has never been more imperative. Rather than be silenced, this is an opportunity for us to expect the wickedness of the Duterte administration. The press and the Filipino people can expect the youth to stand strongly with them in their fight for genuine press freedom and against a fascist regime.
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