The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) strongly condemned the reported attempt by Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola to obtain a gag order against online news outlet Bilyonaryo.com.
In a statement released on Sunday, January 25, the NPC said this move “constitutes a grave attack on press freedom and a direct attempt to suppress investigative journalism that serves the public interest.”
“The NPC views any effort to silence reporting as an affront to the essential role of the press in informing the public, holding power to account, and safeguarding democratic governance,” NPC President Leonel Abasola said.
“A gag order would chill the freedom of expression and press freedom, and could set a dangerous precedent that empowers public officials to silence critical or potentially harmful coverage,” he added.
According to NPC, Gardiola’s effort against the news outlet appeared “at odds” with the spirit of Republic Act No. 11458, or the law protecting journalists, which was enacted in 2019 that clarified concerns about sources and information in broadcast and online media.
The NPC asserted that “journalists must be free to publish information in the public interest without undue interference, while upholding due process and the integrity of legal proceedings.”
The organization called on the courts to uphold press freedom, ensure fair balancing of interests, and resist measures that would unnecessarily restrain publication of information in the public interest.
The NPC likewise urged respect for freedom of the press as enshrined in the Constitution and international standards. It acknowledged the primacy of careful, transparent handling of confidential information where legally warranted, with robust safeguards for sources and privileged information.
“We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of journalists to report accurately, independently, and without fear of reprisal or censorship,” the NPC said.
“The NPC stands in solidarity with Bilyonaryo.com and other media outlets exercising their essential function of informing Filipinos and strengthening our democracy,” it added.
