EDITORIAL - A fundamental right

The Philippines joins the international community in marking World Press Freedom Day with one positive development: all the presidential candidates have committed to support the passage of the Freedom of Information law in the next Congress. Their commitment jibes with the theme chosen by the United Nations for this special day, observed every May 3: “Access to information and fundamental freedoms: this is your right!”

As even the administration that has championed the so-called straight path has shown, however, it’s a long way from a best-efforts pledge to actual delivery of a promise. Especially when the commitments are given in the heat of a tough election campaign.

FOI measures have been kicked around in Congress for many years now, with rejection usually given at the final moment, after the proposal has hurdled nearly the entire legislative gauntlet. Unreasonable and self-serving applications of a right of reply have also ensured the death of FOI bills.

It is interesting to note that 2016 marks the 250th anniversary of the first freedom of information law, which still covers modern-day Sweden and Finland. It’s no coincidence that both are among the most advanced economies, ranking high in transparency and governance. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration detailing press freedom principles.

Apart from the FOI law, World Press Freedom Day 2016 is also dedicated to enhancing measures for the protection of journalists from censorship and surveillance overreach as well as from online and offline attacks. Filipino media workers are among the most at risk; the Philippines remains among the five worst countries in terms of impunity in journalist killings, with most of the attacks unsolved.

Enactment of a law that guarantees freedom of information will not end the impunity, but it will be a welcome development in advancing a basic right.