Jinggoy to P’Noy: prosecute media killings in the country

MANILA, October 9, 2011-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada urged the Aquino administration to run after perpetrators of media killings in a recent Malacañang pronouncement of a relentless campaign of going against corrupt government officials.

Estrada said that President Aquino personally announced that the government intends to file numerous charges before the end of the year in relation to the uncovered anomalies and graft practices of the past administration. “I personally urge our President to also run after and prosecute personalities behind heinous media killings,” Estrada declared.

A 2010 report by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists showing 70 journalists in the Philippines have been murdered since 1992. 93% of these cases were categorized as complete impunity, referring to the status of investigation and meaning no convictions have been obtained. The remaining 7% were categorized with partial justice meaning some but not all of those responsible have been convicted and typically, assassins were convicted but not masterminds.

The report goes on to identify which beats were covered by the victims that is 61% of the victims covered politics, 43% covered corruption stories, and 23% covered crime stories.

Estrada who is the principal author of the measure said that the bill amends Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code to include another attendant circumstance – i.e. when the victim is a member of broadcast or print media – for a crime to qualify as murder.

Currently, murder is a capital offense punishable with reclusion perpetua to death.

The Senate is scheduled to continue plenary deliberations on Senate Bill 455 which classifies killing of media members in the exercise of their duty as a crime of murder.

Estrada explained that the passage of the bill is upholding the constitutionally-guaranteed right to press freedom. This will act, at the very least, as a deterrent against assault to the so-called Fourth Estate. Further, this will empower the media to perform their sworn duties without fear and with utmost responsibility. (Jason de Asis)