The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, advancing the economic interests of media workers, and upholding ethical standards of journalism in the country during its 13th National Congress, the organization’s highest policy-making body, on September 19, 2026.
Over the years, the union has taken firm stances against the killing of journalists in the Philippines, red-tagging, political persecution and vilification of journalists, censorship and denial of access and other threats to press freedom– all of these while organizing and strengthening the capacity of our local chapters. From nationwide campaigns to training sessions on media safety, ethical journalism, peer support, and labor rights, the NUJP has continued to organize and engage fellow media workers.
The NUJP builds on the victories of its national campaigns such as the #FightToExpress, which consolidated efforts from various media organizations to bring the realities faced by media workers to the office of then United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan.
In 2025, Khan called on the Philippine government to decriminalize libel, pass a Freedom of Information law, craft a clear-cut policy against red-tagging, review the anti-terror laws, and abolish the NTF-ELCAC– measures that the union strongly supports and vows to pursue.
The National Congress resolved to strengthen solidarity and support for Frenchie Mae Cumpio and women political prisoners through visits and humanitarian assistance, while intensifying campaigns for justice for media workers facing harassment and weaponized prosecution, including journalists Deo Montesclaros and Marchel Espina.
NUJP further called for accountability for public officials and other actors who abuse their power against journalists, alongside reforms on workers’ rights and access to information. The NUJP also underscored the importance of pushing back against such threats.
The gains from the website-blocking case involving Bulatlat, which eventually led to the unblocking of another alternative media outfit Pinoy Weekly and 25 other websites; broadcast journalist Atom Araullo’s victory in a civil lawsuit against red-taggers Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celis; and the complaint filed by Cagayan de Oro-based journalist Cong Corrales seeking to compel Meta to disclose the identities of his red-taggers remind us of the importance of pushing back against attacks on the press and using available avenues to defend journalists and independent media.
Led by its newly elected National Directorate, the NUJP reaffirms why we must continue to show up, speak out, and stand together.
For Frenchie. For Deo. For Marchel. For journalists wrongfully charged under libel and terrorism laws. For justice for murdered journalists. For an industry that values the safety, rights, and welfare of Filipino media workers.
Reference:
National Directorate | secretariat@nujp.org
