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Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
AT A GLANCE:
The second (2nd) week of February of every year is declared as the National Press Week in the Philippines, by virtue of Proclamation No. 191, series of 1964.
To encourage the Filipino people to appreciate fully the vital role of the press in the community and national life, and to enjoin Filipinos to lend their full support and cooperation so that the press shall continue to be free, militant, and fearless in upholding the people’s rights, Proclamation No. 191, series of 1964 as been issued declaring the second week of February of every year as the National Press Week.
The law says:
“In order that the people may appreciate fully the vital role of the press in our community and national life, I, Diosdado Macapagal, President of the Philippines, do hereby declare the second week of February of each year as National Press Week.
I hereby enjoin all the people of the Philippines to lend their full support and cooperation in the proper observance of National Press Week to the end that the press shall continue to be free, militant, and fearless in upholding the people’s rights.” (Proclamation No. 191, Series of 1964)
The 1987 Constitution says:
“No 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.” (Section 4, Article III, 1987 Constitution)
Jurisprudence says:
“Freedom of the press is crucial and so inextricably woven into the right to free speech and free expression, that any attempt to restrict it must be met with an examination so critical that only a danger that is clear and present would be allowed to curtail it.” (Francisco Chavez v. Raul Gonzales, G.R. No. 168338, February 15, 2008)
Further, jurisprudence says:
“Much has been written on the philosophical basis of press freedom as part of the larger right of free discussion and expression. Its practical importance, though, is more easily grasped. It is the chief source of information on current affairs. It is the most pervasive and perhaps most powerful vehicle of opinion on public questions. It is the instrument by which citizens keep their government informed of their needs, their aspirations and their grievances. It is the sharpest weapon in the fight to keep government responsible and efficient. Without a vigilant press, the mistakes of every administration would go uncorrected and its abuses unexposed.” (Francisco Chavez v. Raul Gonzales, G.R. No. 168338, February 15, 2008)
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