NUJP Stands with Rappler

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Below is the official statement of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) regarding the Security and Exchange Commission's (SEC) revocation of the registration of news outfit Rappler and Rappler Holdings Corp.

"The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines is outraged at the Security and Exchange Commission's (SEC) revocation of the registration of news outfit Rappler and Rappler Holdings Corp. for supposedly violating the Constitutional prohibition against foreign ownership of media.

The SEC has apparently decided to reject Rappler's contention that its foreign investors merely placed money in the outfit but do not own it, which it issued after President Rodrigo Duerte, in his state of the nation address last year, threatened to have its ownership investigated.

It was but one of many threats Duterte has made against media critical of him and his governance, such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer and broadcast network ABS-CBN, whose franchise renewal he threatened to block.

We are sure Rappler, as it has said, is capable of mounting a legal defense against what amounts to their closure.

As it does so, the NUJP declares it full support to Rappler and all other independent media outfits that the state has threatened and may threaten to shut down.

We call on all Filipino journalists to unite and resist every and all attempts to silence us."

The NUJP National Directorate

Reference:
Atty. Jocelyn Clemente, Acting Chair
Ms. Dabet Panelo, Secretary General
NUJP hotline: 09175155991

Responsible Journalism Means Complying with the Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

THE National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) believes that the exercise of press freedom in particular, and the freedom of expression in general, have not been affected nor threatened with the finding of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that online news platform Rappler, Inc., violated the strict constitutional provision on 100 percent control and ownership of mass media and its decision to close down the media outfit.

“The NPC purposely delayed issuing its statement on the matter until it has read the entire decision of the SEC in order for it not to be swayed by the prevailing emotion of the moment.

“As the country’s oldest and biggest organization of active media practitioners, the NPC is conscious that making a statement on this issue demands that it first study the SEC decision,” Gutierrez said.

“And going thru the 29-page decision, the SEC finding is quite clear: that Rappler Inc., has indeed violated the law when it allowed the entry of foreign investors and also allowed, specifically, Omidyar Network Fund LLC, to have control on ‘corporate matters’ of Rappler based on its own submissions to the SEC,” said NPC president Paul M. Gutierrez.

The SEC report, he added, clearly stated what was provided for in our Constitution and related laws and which Rappler also clearly violated:

“Where mass media is concerned, no (foreign) control whatsoever may be granted. 100 percent Filipino control means zero (“0”) foreign control. ‘Control’ is any influence over corporate policy, and not limited to ownership of stock.”

“As the SEC noted, Rappler breached this constitutional limit when it allowed Omidyar to exercise control over its corporate affairs as provided for in their internal agreement, in exchange for a fund infusion of US$ 1 million dollars,” Gutierrez noted.

“Responsible journalism also means complying with the law,” Gutierrez said, adding the Club’s position is also consistent with its policy of not accepting as members, journalists and media entities of dubious legal personality.

“By way of policing our ranks and as part of our continuing reform drive, the NPC has long ago made it a policy that those applying for membership should represent not only credible, but also, legally established media entities.

“In this case, we cannot be swayed by the emotion of the moment and go along with the general sentiment that press freedom has been threatened less we be accused of inconsistency,” Gutierrez said.

He also noted that it is premature to say that freedom of the press has been curtailed as a result of the SEC’s findings against Rappler.

“In the broader Philippine media industry, Rappler is just one among the thousands of media entities in the country and whose operations have remained free,” he said.

“There are about 436 television broadcast stations, 411 AM radio stations, over 1,000 FM radio stations and more than 400 newspapers today operating freely in the country besides those now that have proliferated in social media and whose actual number no one really has any idea.

“To say that the fate of one media entity found to have run afoul with the law translates to media repression in the country is stretching the argument a bit too much,” Gutierrez said.



Paul M. Gutierrez
January 16, 2018

Special Travel and Immigration Assistance to HIV Positive People

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Multiculturalism is opening the doors to a broader arena, and more and more people across the world are traveling from one country to another in search of better job and opportunities. Even when people are diagnosed with any major health hazard, they have the spirit and desire to migrate to new places, sometimes due to necessity and sometimes for pleasure. HIV positive people can live completely normal and active lives even after diagnosis, and traveling to foreign places is not much of a risk for them but still planning is advisable for their own safety and health. Here we are going to give you some insight about the immigration policies for HIV positive people across the world.

Some background study is important
When you are traveling to a place as a tourist for a certain period, it is essential that you check the restrictions if any imposed on travelers with HIV. Study them carefully to understand how far these limits can affect your trip. You can find this information on the internet easily, and they must be checked at the earliest to make sure that your trip is not hampered midway and you can enjoy your trip without any embarrassing situations coming up. The possible restriction can be regarding entry or residence for HIV positive individuals.


Factors to consider

With certain restrictions and dedicated following the treatments, you can ensure that you can avoid any significant trouble during your trip. Carry your medications in your handbag and keep the purse or pouch with you. Keep extra medications as well with you just in case if you lose the bag of medicines, or there are any unforeseeable issues. Check the customs regulations regarding importing drugs to avoid any hassles. Your immigration consultant can guide you regarding this. If you are opting for the assistance of Maple Immigration Services, you can easily seek their help for finding out about the rules and regulations.


Travel insurance

Do make sure that you have a proper travel insurance which can be accessed during your trip in case of emergency. There are immigration agencies which can give you aid regarding travel insurance depending on your health condition. Your health condition should not be disclosed to fellow travelers or immigration officers who do not need to know. Do keep in mind that many countries have stigmas against HIV positive people which is a reason why you should avoid disclosing your HIV status unless it is necessary. Also, make sure that you know the nearest clinic where you can visit when you need to even during your travel. You would get all such information on the internet easily.