Freedom of the Press - Philippines (2003)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 3
Political Influences: 17
Economic Pressures: 10
Total Score: 30

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 68
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (83 percent), Protestant (9 percent), Muslim (5 percent), Buddhist and other (3 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Christian Malay (91.5 percent), Muslim Malay (4 percent), Chinese (1.5 percent), other (3 percent)
Capital: Manila

Press freedom is provided for by law and is generally respected by the government. In November, free press advocates expressed concern that proposed antiterrorism legislation could impinge on freedom of expression. Although powerful families and businesses control many media outlets, the private press remains vigorous, though prone to innuendo and sensationalism. The greatest threats to journalists are continuing harassment, intimidation, and violence, which lead to some self-censorship. During 2002, two reporters were killed in apparent retaliation for their coverage of alleged corruption or for their criticism of local officials. Other journalists were abducted or threatened, and several radio stations were targeted for attack. Several past killings of journalists remain unsolved.