CPP urges KBP to oppose media gag
March 8, 2005

The Communist Party of the Philipppines (CPP) today expressed dismay over a statement by an official of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) pledging support to the military's call to deny air time to anti-government forces.

CPP spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said the statement made by KBP President Ruperto Nicdao yesterday "is a throwback to the KBP's role as an apologist of martial law" and expressed confidence that the majority of KBP members today would reject the "military-inspired" ban on interviews of forces "the Arroyo government recklessly and irresponsibly labels as 'terrorists'."

Rosal moreover assailed the "threat against franchises as a Damocles' sword to compel media organizations to toe the military line."

He called on members of the media to "take a hard and critical look" at the military's claims that the media gag is meant to protect the security of the state.

"In recent history, it has been proven that invoking state security is a sure-fire formula for suppressing the truth and the people's right to air their views and grievances," Rosal said.

"By opposing the 'state security line', especially in the 1970s and 1980s, critical media practitioners were able to help the Filipino people in their struggle to end the Marcos dictatorship," Rosal added.

"Often, members of the media will have to choose between protecting the security of an oppressive state at all cost or protecting the people's right to know," Rosal said. "Broadcasters and journalists should always resolve this question in favor of the people's interests."

Reference:
Anne Buenaventura
Media Officer
Cellphone Number: +63910-240-3553

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CPP urges KBP to oppose media gag March 8, 2005

CPP urges KBP to oppose media gag
March 8, 2005