COGNATE2
A REVIEW: PRESS FREEDOM AND
LIMITATIONS
by Vannica R. Bal-ut
POINTERS a. CONSTITUTIONAL
GUARANTEES
b. DELIMITATIONS
c. ANTI-OBSCENITY
LAW
d. LIBEL
Constitutional
Guarantees
Article III, Section 4 of the 1987
Constitution states:
"No law shall be passed abridging the freedom
of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the
right of the people peaceably to assemble and
petition the government for redress of
grievances."
Constitutional
Guarantees
Article III, Section 4 of the 1987
Constitution states:
Example: Media Coverage of Government Corruption
Investigative journalism in the Philippines has played a crucial
role in exposing corruption. A notable example is the 2013 Pork
Barrel Scam, uncovered by journalist Raissa Robles and later
investigated by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
(PCIJ). The media’s reporting led to the arrest of several high-
profile politicians, including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy
Estrada, and Bong Revilla
Although the media has the freedom to report,
there are legal and ethical boundaries that
Delimitations journalists must follow. Some of the key
restrictions include:
1. National Security – Press freedom cannot be used to endanger
a country’s safety.
2. Public Order and Safety – Media outlets should not spread
content that incites violence, hate, or social unrest.
3. Right to Privacy – While the media has the right to report,
individuals also have a right to privacy.
4. Misinformation and Fake News – Media outl e t s a r e
responsible for ensuring that the information they publish is
accurate and factual. Spreading false information can lead to legal
consequences.
Anti-Obscenity
Laws
What is Considered Obscene?
Obscenity laws cover content that involves pornography, extreme violence, or explicit
sexual acts. These laws ensure that media content remains appropriate, especially for
minors.
Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code
• prohibits obscene publications, indecent shows, and immoral
performances. Any media that is deemed offensive to public
morals can be censored or removed.
Libel Laws
Libel laws exist to protect individuals from defamation, which means
spreading false and damaging information about someone. Libel refers to
written defamation, while slander refers to spoken defamation.
According to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code, libel is
defined as:
"A public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, or defect,
real or imaginary, or any act which tends to discredit a person."
Libel Laws
- Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code
• Libel laws prevent media abuse, ensuring that
journalists verify their facts before publishing
stories that could harm someone’s reputation.
Relevance
1. Accuracy in Translation and 3. Adapting Content for Different
Reporting Audiences
• Translators and editors must ensure • Translation involves adapting content to
that news articles, reports, and public different languages and cultures while
information are translated correctly maintaining its original message.
and accurately.
4. Avoiding Censorship While Respecting
Laws
2. Ethical Considerations in Editing • While press freedom allows for the free
• Editors play a crucial role in ensuring flow of information, editors and
that media content follows ethical translators must be careful not to violate
standards. anti-obscenity laws, libel laws, or
national security restrictions.
Conclusion
Press freedom is a cornerstone of
democracy, allowing the media to inform,
educate, and expose the truth. However,
legal and ethical limitations ensure that this
freedom is used responsibly.
THANK YOU !
