In an effort to support the role of journalism in the country Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Public Information, participated in the Radio Mindanao Network Station Managers Conference on Wednesday at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City.
The five-day conference brought together 62 radio station leaders from across the country to discuss ways to improve the welfare of journalists and broadcasters, as well as strengthen radio stations. The event's theme, "Revolutionizing Media Now," focused on the media's role in promoting transparency, press freedom, and democracy.
“As pillars of democracy, members of the media play a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. Events like this provide an important platform for collaboration, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. By coming together, we reinforce our shared responsibility to uphold press freedom while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in journalism,” Go said.
Go also proposed reforms aimed at empowering today’s media. Acknowledging the challenges faced by media workers, Go filed Senate Bill No. 1183, the "Media and Entertainment Workers Welfare Act." The bill seeks to provide additional protections, security, and benefits for media practitioners, including health insurance coverage, overtime and night differential pay, and other incentives to support their well-being.
He also underscored the importance of safeguarding the safety and welfare of those working in media and broadcasting.
“I am also proud to share that we have made significant progress in protecting the rights of those in the entertainment industry. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed Republic Act No. 11996, also known as the ‘Eddie Garcia Law,’ which I co-authored. This law ensures better working conditions for entertainment workers and recognizes their cultural and economic contributions to our nation,” Go said.
Recently, Go expressed concern over the threats faced by journalists, highlighting the importance of a free press in a democratic society. He referred to previous efforts, such as the Task Force on Media Security established under former president Rodrigo Duterte, as evidence of his commitment to media protection.
This follows the latest Global Impunity Index from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which ranks the Philippines 9th among countries where journalist killings often go unpunished. The report places the Philippines alongside countries like Somalia, Iraq, and Mexico, pointing to the ongoing risks that journalists face.