Philippines ranks 128th in Press freedom index

The Philippines slightly improved this year with the rank of 128th in the Press freedom index conducted by the group Reporters without Boarders.

According to the group's website (www. rsf.org), the country has experienced fewer murders in the last few years and that President Arroyo's associates brought fewer defamation against journalists and new media.

Iceland topped the list while Eritea together with China, Burma and North Korea rank low in the index .

Asian countries Malaysia (124th), Thailand (135th) and Vietnam (162th) meanwhile are experiencing crackdowns in press freedom with bloggers arrested and new media being shut down due to pressure from their governments.