NPC backs media safety pact

National Press Club (NPC) president Leonel Abasola expressed full support for the agreement between the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), urging law enforcement and local officials to respect press freedom and allow journalists to present all sides of a story instead of resorting to harassment.

“Violence happens when only one side is heard,” Abasola said. “If you feel mistreated by a journalist’s report, reach out to the NPC or the PTFoMS. We will call the reporter’s attention. Journalists should always give the other side a chance to be heard.”

Abasola said he has been promoting the task force’s mandate even in regional conferences and assured local officials that the NPC would assist in de-escalating tensions between government units and media workers.

“As we go around the country, promoting NPC thrust for regionalization, we always tell our colleagues in the provinces that they can inform us, PTFOMS and PAO for help in case there are threats in their lives,” Abasola said.

The MoA signed on Friday aimed at strengthening legal and institutional support for the protection of journalists, amid continued threats and attacks against members of the press.

During the signing ceremony, PAO Chief Persida Acosta called on politicians and those in power to uphold due process instead of resorting to violence against members of the media.

She said that in her 24 years as PAO chief, the agency has served as legal counsel for numerous media practitioners. Many were acquitted or had their cases resolved, she noted, because of the fundamental role journalists play in democracy.

“A free press is the key to development and transparency,” she said. “If we silence the media, the public will never learn of abuses, mismanagement, or the misuse of public funds. Government must be open to scrutiny, especially if it has nothing to hide.”

It was also emphasized that the right to life must be respected equally — including for media workers who, she said, “bring light to public service.”

On the other hand, PTFoMS Executive Director Joe Torres Jr. echoed the PAO chief’s call, stating that the renewed partnership underscores both institutions’ unwavering commitment to the safety and protection of journalists.

“In a democracy, a free and vibrant press is essential to informing the public, holding power to account, and shaping the national discourse,” Torres said. “However, we continue to face violence, threats, and intimidation that require a united and concerted response.”

Torres praised Acosta’s “unwavering dedication” to media freedom and said the cooperation between PAO and PTFoMS would help ensure that attacks against journalists are investigated and prosecuted.

“This MoA renewal reaffirms our mission to protect media workers, uphold the rule of law, and promote accountability,” he added.

The MoA signing comes amid persistent concerns from local and international media watchdogs about the safety of Filipino journalists, particularly those working in far-flung and conflict-affected areas.