Pamamahayag sa panahon ng Human Security Act

Arao, D. A. (2007, July 11-17). Pamamahayag sa panahon ng Human Security Act. Pinoy Weekly, 6 (26), p. 5. This may be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/pw6-26/op_ed/ed-6_26_3.htm.

After reading the 35-page Human Security Act (HSA), I came to the conclusion that it can compromise the principles and standards of journalism, particularly when it comes to ethics. If you don’t believe me, just read the full text of the law’s Sec. 17 (Proscription of Terrorist Organizations, Associations, or Group of Persons): “Any organization, association, or group of persons organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism, or which, although not organized for that purpose, actually uses the acts to terrorize mentioned in this Act or to sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand shall, upon application of the Department of Justice before a competent Regional Trial Court, with due notice and opportunity to be heard given to the organization, association, or group of persons concerned, be declared as a terrorist and outlawed organization, association, or group of persons by the said Regional Trial Court.” (italics mine)

Clearly, the writing of critical articles can be interpreted as sowing “fear and panic” among the people. Does this mean that if and when the HSA is implemented (July 15, if the government will have its way), I cannot write anymore about pressing concerns like the demand of labor groups for a wage increase?

The HSA is a very important issue so I hope that you will take some time to read the article. Thank you.