Members of progressive media and other groups picketed the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on March 27 in support of the online news outlet Bulatlat. This coincided with Bulatlat’s court appearance regarding their case to “unblock” its website, which National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr had ordered blocked.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) blocked the website of Bulatlat, along with 26 other websites of progressive media and organizations two days after Esperon issued the order on June 6, 2022, alleging that these were linked with the armed revolutionary movement.

The state’s blocking prevents Filipino internet users from accessing the content of these websites.

On January 21, the court dismissed Esperon’s filed demurrer to evidence. The court stated that Bulatlat had presented sufficient evidence to support its case and demand the withdrawal of the order blocking the website.

At the latest hearing, Esperon’s lawyers did not present a single piece of evidence. His camp merely reiterated witness testimonies already previously presented by the NTC and National Security Council. Esperon himself never appeared in court.

These statements failed to address Bulatlat’s assertion that the NTC memorandum constitutes outright censorship and violates freedom of expression and press freedom as guaranteed by the constitution.

Both parties have 45 days to file their memoranda summarizing their positions. The court will then issue a resolution on the case.

It can be recalled that on August 16, 2022, the court issued an order directing the NTC to temporarily unblock Bulatlat’s website. This was in response to Bulatlat’s filing of a writ of preliminary injunction with the said court.

The order was issued after Bulatlat paid a ₱100,000 bond on March 28 which would serve as compensation or damages to the opposing party should Bulatlat lose its case. The court grants the writ of preliminary injunction at any stage of legal action before issuing a final ruling.

Lawyers from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers represented Bulatlat in the hearings. Media Freedom Coalition members attended the hearing.