Press group opposes bill infringing on press freedom
The Philippine Press Institute, also known as the national association of newspapers which currently lists 71 members nationwide, has always stood by its position that any legislation that infringes on freedom of the press in the pursuit of ethical, responsible and excellent journalism violates the same right (that no law shall be passed abridging freedom of the press) that is constitutionally enshrined. It expressed its opposition to the penalty clause of the “Data Privacy Act” on the Breach of Confidentiality of Senate Bill No. 2965 “AN ACT PROTECTING INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL DATA IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS IN THE GOVERNMENT AND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, PROVIDING PENALTIES IN VIOLATION THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”, that restrains journalists from being responsible and truthful in reporting based on facts, thus restricting them from performing their duty or function as bearers of truth. Imprisonment and monetary fines as penalties are more than enough t...