THE improved ranking of the Philippines in the World Press Freedom Index is proof that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the rights to free expression and is not in any way “gearing towards dictatorship,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday.
Castro, in a briefing, said Malacanang welcomed the latest report of Reporters Without Borders that saw the Philippines improving its ranking to 116th place from 134th last year out of 180 countries in terms of the freedom enjoyed by journalists.
“Definitely that’s good news. The President is delighted with that latest ranking of the Philippines in relation to its upholding press freedom, okay. It shows that the President respects one’s rights of expression and responsible journalism,” she said.
“So, this is good and it is able to show that the President is not gearing towards dictatorship. We see a free press today,” Castro added.
Castro also reaffirmed the President’s commitment to protect journalists and said he continues to promote press freedom in the country.
