Duterte gov’t not curtailing freedom of speech, expression as shown by survey – Palace

August 4, 2019

The Philippines has “vibrant and robust” exercise of freedom of speech and expression, Malacanang said on Saturday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement following the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey from June 22 to 26 showing that 59 percent of Filipinos agree with the statement, “I can say anything I want, openly and without fear, even if it is against the administration," with 67 percent of Filipinos concurring that mass media in the Philippines have freedom of speech, of expression and of the press.

“The survey results once again are a repudiation of the vociferous and unrelenting tirade of the critics and detractors of the President (Rodrigo Duterte), as well as the opposition, that the freedoms of speech and of expression are being curtailed by the Administration. The survey rating means we have a vibrant and robust exercise of those freedoms,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, Panelo wondered on the reaction of 51 percent of Filipinos who agreed that it is dangerous to print or broadcast anything critical of the administration.

“We are curious as to why this could be so. The President respects criticisms as long as the same is not baseless, unfounded or false. He even urges the people, including writers and reporters, to freely express whatever sentiments they have,” he said.

Panelo insisted that dissent against the Duterte administration and its policies is loud and not curtailed.

“Statements of disagreement, objection or protest vis-à-vis the government are unceasing and widespread in all channels of media, including those in social media platforms reaching the global audience,” he said.

“We note however the probability that such manifestations of dissent come from 3 percent of Filipinos who have expressed their disapproval to the President,” he added.

Panelo, who is also the chief presidential legal counsel, said there is no such prior restraint or subsequent punishment for those who practice the freedom to dissent in the Duterte presidency.

“As long as the speech or expression is within the ambit of the constitutional guarantees, it will not face any government interference,” he said.

Panelo said the Filipinos should not hesitate in articulating their thoughts on government policies, critical or otherwise.

“Ours is a President who not only respects everyone's right to free speech but listens to our plight as he ensures that the fibers of our country's democracy are preserved and enhanced,” he said.

Recently, Duterte slammed Senator Richard Gordon for questioning his decision to appoint former military officials in various positions in government.

He said that Gordon should not be presumptuous about his talent and he was just "a fart away from disaster," citing even the big belly of the senator.

One of Duterte's staunch critics, opposition Senator Leila de Lima has been detained for he alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade when she was still the Justice secretary during the previous administration. De Lima has denied the allegation, insisting that she is a victim of political persecution. Ella Dionisio/DMS