Philippines further slips in World Press Freedom Index

THE PHILIPPINES dropped by two places to 138th in the World Press Freedom Index this year, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which cited “extremely draconian laws or decrees” that allegedly criminalized state criticism.

This marked the fourth straight year that the country slipped in the ranking that covers 180 economies. The Philippines was 133rd in 2018 and 134th in 2019, scored 45.64 out of a worst possible score of 100.

The Philippines placed 21st among 32 economies in the Asia-Pacific region, ahead of Myanmar (140th overall), India (142nd), Cambodia (144th), Pakistan (145th), Bangladesh (152nd), Brunei (154th), Singapore (160th), Laos (172nd), Vietnam (175th), China (177th) and North Korea (179th).

The fall in the country’s press freedom ranking is alarming, said Dennis C. Coronacion, who heads the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Department of Political Science.

“The press and news media contribute greatly in shaping citizens’ informed political opinions and decisions,” he said in an e-mail. “If this trend continues, it will take its toll on Philippine democracy.” —