Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

" 7d
HOUSE BILL NO. 2737

Tatroduced by Rep. Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On August 23, 2010, the nation witnessed a tragedy when ex-policeman Rolando
Mendoza took hostage a busload of Hongkong nationals at the Quirino Grandstand in the
City of Manila, After a twelve-hour ordeal, the hostage-taking ended with disastrous
results both for the perpetrator and for his victims.

The entire hostage-taking was covered by media, reporting live and with a blow-
by-blow coverage of the events as they transpired. Even the position, movement and
ions of the enforcers and authorities as they tried to take control of the crisis situation
was reported to the general public. Such media coverage may have jeopardized police
‘operations onsite.

In previous crisis situations, such as kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf, coup d’etat
during the Corazon Aquino administration, the Oakwood mutiny, and the Manila
Peninsula siege, media coverage was sought to be restrained or even prohibited thru news
blackouts in order not to jeopardize police or military operations while the crisis situation
is ongoing. However, the right to information and freedom of the press are paramount in
a democracy as ours and must be upheld.

With this measure, the author recognizes media's right to have access to
information and the freedom of the press. Nonetheless, such press freedom should be
harmonized with the public welfare and measures to avoid further endangering lives in
crisis situations, when the media reports disclose important information relative to the
authorities’ efforts to contain or resolve the situation. Media coverage should not obstruct
police or military operations during crisis situations. \

Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. ( |

ABRIEL LUIS R. QUISUMBING



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Sessi

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing,

AN ACT PROHIBITING MEDIA REPORTING OF POLICE AND MILITARY
POSITIONS, MOVEMENTS AND ACTIONS DURING CRISIS SITUATIONS

Be if enacted by the Senate and House of the Representatives of the Philippines in

Congress assembled:

SECTION I. Declaration of Policy.- The State upholds the freedom of the press and the
right of the people to be informed on matters of public concern. Moreover, it is the prime
duty of the State to protect and serve the people. The maintenance of peace and order, the
protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential

for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy

SECTION 2. Unlawful Act. - It shall be unlawful for any media person to report or
present publicly the positions, movements and actions done by the members of the

Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during

situations. The media coverage should be contained as not to hinder or obstruct

efforts to resolve the situation. Crisis situation may include but not limited to the

following circumstances: (1) hostage taking; (2) bomb threats; (3) coup d'état; and (4)

kidnapping.


SECTION 3. Access of Media. — The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) may provide an update to media but shall not provide
vital information on operations which may be used in support of or by the perpetrators
during crisis situations. Once the situation has been resolved, The Philippine National
Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will provide the full details of

the operation and shall not restrict acess or coverage by the media relative thereto.

TION 4. Penalty. - Any person who shall violate this Act shall suffer the penalty of
imprisonment from Six Months and One Day to Six Years or a fine of Twenty thousand

Pesos or both.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby

repealed or immediately modified accordingly.

SE

TION 6. Effectivity-. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) national newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,