Baguio artists unite as LODI

IN RESPONSE to the Duterte government’s escalating attacks on press freedom, freedom of expression and human rights, and fast-track moves to amend the Philippine Constitution, concerned artists, writers, journalists, and musicians in Baguio City came together and set up Let's Organize for Democracy and Integrity (LODI) Baguio City chapter.

In December 2017, artists and writers in Metro Manila launched LODI and enjoined fellow artists and writers to unite in defending freedom of expression, press freedom and human rights.

In their launching statement, LODI pointed out freedom of expression and press freedom are among the most basic rights enshrined in the constitution and that these civil liberties are also the best safeguards for all other rights that include due process, free assembly, travel and association, and exercise of religious and political beliefs.

President Rodrigo Duterte has been vocal in undermining media and has been labeling critical reporting as part of what he claims, a plot to destabilize his government. Likewise, he has labeled all organizations and individuals critical of his policies to be part of this imagined plot.

Even before he took office, Duterte already embarked on a campaign to discredit the media to justify attacks against journalists.

Just recently, the Security and Exchange Commission revoked the registration of Rappler Holding Corporation for supposedly violating the constitutional prohibition against foreign ownership of media. It can be recalled that in his state of the nation address last year, he threatened to have Rappler's ownership investigated.

Duterte has also threatened to block the franchise renewal of ABS - CBN and other media outfits like the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

In a radio interview last December 24, Duterte claimed that some journalists are members or have communist links and particularly mentioned that most of these journalists are in the Cordillera region.

These are trying times, and it is imperative that concerned Baguio artists and writers put out their call to organize and urge their fellow artists and writers and musicians to join them on January 27 in a concert-launch from 6 to 10 p.m. at the People's Park.PR