Thursday, November 16, 2006

Arroyo Reiterates Commitment To Press Freedom

President Gloria Arroyo on Thursday reiterated her commitment to press freedom and strongly condemned the series of media killings in the country, the government media said.

"We've said it before and we will say it again: We are committed to the freedom of the media as bailiwick of Philippine democracy."

"I am respecting the central role of the responsible media to help improve our politics, economy and society," she said in a speech during the opening of the 32nd Top Level Management Conference (TLMC) of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (Association of Broadcasters in Philippines) at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City outside Manila.

Arroyo stressed that her administration will remain vigilant in order to protect what she called bailiwick of democracy. She said that despite the government's effort to prevent and stop extra-judicial killings, some radical groups are out to make a mockery of democracy. She did not elaborate.

Arroyo reminded the officers and members of the KBP that her administration created the Melo Commission to conduct a thorough probe on the series of brutal killings against members of militant groups and the fourth estate.

At least 10 suspects allegedly involved in media killings have already been placed behind bars facing murder charges, she said.

She told them that during her visit to Europe last September, she met with top executives of the international human rights group, Amnesty International to inform them that the Philippine government will never allow and tolerate extra-judicial killings.

But military officials and retired generals have assailed the AI for allegedly exaggerating the news of killings in the Philippines.

Arroyo also called on the KBP to be an instrument in the responsible exercise of media freedom, and help her educate the people on the reforms that the administration had pursued.

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