Gradual erosion of press freedom in the Philippines

Media Blackout? (Philippine Politics)

“You are commanded to appear before the office of the Southern Metro Manila Criminal Investigation and Detection Team ... on Dec. 5, 2007 at 10 o’clock in the morning and bring with you a DVD copy of raw video footage [of the] March,” PNP Director Edgardo Doromal said in his order to Maria Ressa, head of the ABS-CBN news and current affairs department.

“FAIL NOT UNDER THE PENALTY OF LAW,” the order said in bold letters.

“It seems attempts to intimidate and harass journalists continue. These actions show a gradual erosion of press freedom and degrade our country’s democratic processes,” Ressa said.

Ressa said there were 12 ABS-CBN personnel among those arrested, including TV reporter Ces Drilon. The rest were producers, engineers, drivers and researchers.

Report from Inquirer

More news at Philippine News - Yehey

Read More

Metro Manila on full alert: 911 and Erap verdict.

The police in Metro Manila went on full alert 8 a.m. Tuesday, the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack in the United States. The heightened security also comes a day before the promulgation on Sept. 12 of the Sandiganbayan verdict on the plunder case against former President Joseph Estrada.

On orders of Metro Manila police commander Dep. Dir. Gen. Reynaldo Varilla, police in all five districts were placed under full alert and instructed to keep watch over possible terrorist "targets."

In Malacañang, dzBB radio reported that police have set up container vans, barbed-wire fences, a 6-x-6 truck and makeshift tents to "secure" the Palace for Wednesday's event.

The Presidential Security Group had recommended that President Arroyo stay in the Palace the whole day Wednesday.

Full Story

Votester - Philippine Political News - updated

download now because it is still free! comes with a cool new simple, PS bank theme Yehey TOL! talk on line now.

Read More