PHILIPPINE press freedom remains in dire straits after the country continues to be one of the most dangerous for journalists. 

     With a ranking of 116 over 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, the country’s increasing death toll, red-tagging cases (the practice of journalists being labelled by the army or the government as “subversive”), and wrongful incarceration among journalists continue to be a problem, one that’s recognized by policymakers time and time again, but ignored.  

     The simplified approach to information dissemination brought about by the prominence of digital media gave everyone the opportunity to share their version of journalism.

Former President and now Hague-detainee Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential campaign in 2016 helped the public realize the persuading power of social media through trolls and influencers. 

     The detainee’s presence was inescapable, and his populist agenda polarized the Filipino people. 

     His supporters were constantly out for blood, using disinformation and notorious threats of violence as tools to promote his platform.

     This, at the time, unconventional approach to campaigning was most certainly effective however, as it convinced a majority of the Filipino population to vote for the vulgar and erratic candidate.

     The social media manipulation tactic done heavily during this period heavily affected media dynamics, where according to a study by Meltwater, the majority of Filipinos rely on social platforms for information on current events. 

     It became clear that traditional media was no longer the only source of trusted information. Instead, the gatekeeping powers have dispersed across different unregulated digital media platforms, sharing their version of the truth.

     Duterte supporters would defend his reputation throughout his presidency. They would start an online war on anyone who dared to challenge the president's policies and actions. 

     Duterte’s administration would see the numerous attempts to shut down news outlet Rappler, the closure of the ABS-CBN franchise, which subsequently led to massive job layoffs, and the death of over 23 journalists.

     The struggles experienced by journalists during Duterte’s regime continue in the present day.

Just recently, Juan Dayang, a veteran media personality and Graphic magazine publisher, was shot dead at his home after eating dinner. 

     Investigative journalist Frenchie Mae Quimpo continues to defend herself since her arrest in 2020. She was accused of  "financing terrorism" and "illegal possession of firearms." Various journalists, like Rappler columnist John Nery, believed her arrest was unfair. 

     While the government has always encouraged press freedom, the problem remains present.

     The spread of fake news and the threats of red-tagging will continue to plague journalists, especially with the 2025 elections just around the corner.