Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — The Philippines fell two places in the World Press Freedom Index, placing 136th among 180 countries.
This marks the third consecutive year that the country dipped on the listing by Reporters Without Borders, with the country placing 133rd in 2018 and 134th in 2019.
In its report, the group cited the Philippines for having “state troll armies [that] use the weapon of disinformation on social media,” like Russia, India and Vietnam.
It also noted that Filipino journalists have been attacked by pro-government activists, with the group noting similar incidents in Bangladesh and India.
In its summary of the situation of journalism in the country, Reporters Without Borders noted how the Duterte administration “targeted” the Philippine Daily Inquirer, how it waged a “grotesque judicial harassment campaign” against Rappler and its executive editor and CEO Maria Ressa, and the “threats and intimidation” faced by media giant ABS-CBN.
All three media organizations have been the subject of tirades by Duterte.
Rappler and Ressa are still facing numerous charges in court, while ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bid is still pending in Congress, which is dominated by Duterte’s allies.
Malacañang has consistently maintained that the press still enjoys freedom in the country.
Norway topped Reporters Without Borders’ 2020 ranking, while North Korea placed last at 180.
