As the world celebrates Press Freedom Day today, May 3, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) released the 2023 South East Asia Press Freedom Index with the Philippines ranking 132nd out of 180 countries.
Based on the data, the country's ranking went up this year from the 147th spot in 2022.
"The Philippine media are extremely vibrant despite the government’s targeted attacks and constant harassment, since 2016, of journalists and media outlets that are too critical," RWB said.
RWB said the following are indicators of the country's ranking:
- Political - 135 (43.96%)
- Economic - 122 (40.20%)
- Legislative - 120 (52.20%)
- Social - 114 (57.39%)
- Security - 148 (37.30%)
The organization, meanwhile, noted that since President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. assumed the post in June last year, there had been "fewer and less violent attacks" against Philippine media as compared to the administration of his predecessor former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
But RWB said there are still some journalists who are worried that there might be attacks against them.
In the same report, the organization reported since January 1, there are seven media personnel — six journalists and one media worker — killed.
RWB also stated that there are 546 journalists and 22 media workers who are presently detained.
