Amendment of Press Freedom Law sought

CEBU, Philippines - Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III is seeking to amend the Press Freedom Law or what is popularly known as the “Sotto Law” to cover all forms of media.

Sotto, whose grandfather Former Senator Vicente Yap Sotto authored the Press Freedom Law pointed out that the law protects only the print media since it was the only medium that was present when the law was passed.

The existing law, Republic Act 53, is entitled, “An Act to exempt the publisher, editor or reporter of any publication from revealing the source of published news or information obtained in confidence.”

This, according to Sotto has a “gray area on whether broadcast media is covered by the protection of the law, which insulates the reporter, editor and publisher from revealing the source of his information.”

To amend the law, Sotto filed Senate Bill No. 41. He also called for those working in the media to support the passage of the amendments.

“The law is set to be amended that will categorically include broadcast media such as television, radio and the internet,” he said.

Sotto’s former deputy, Atty. Clarence Paul Oaminal, said Sotto believes his fellow legislators, both in the Senate and House of Representatives, will act on his proposals faster if the media supports the bill. 

Oaminal also said amending the law will strengthen the advocacy of broadcasters against illegal drugs.

“Broadcasters will no longer be pressured by politicians and law enforcers who are suspected to be supporting or coddling drug syndicates of revealing their sources,” Oaminal said.

This is reportedly what happened in Cagayan De Oro City where a radio anchor was ambushed after he discussed on air that a drug pusher arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) had names in his cellular phone of politicians and law enforcers connected to the drug trade.

Oaminal said politicians are putting on pressure for PDEA Region X to provide them the names but with the law amended, the media could reveal the names of those involved without having to divulge the source of the information. — (FREEMAN)