FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. _ 2854

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Every democratic nation today recognizes the value of freedom of the press.
The recognition and respect for this freedom is the very essence of democracy.
Uncensored public discussion is a necessary condition in a society enjoying the
bounty of a free and democratic State. Hence, freedom of the press is founded on
the assumption that the widest possible dissemination .of information from diverse,
and perhaps even “antagonistic” sources is essential for the enhancement and
projection of the welfare and interest of the people. Indeed, government can be
responsive to the will of the people only when free debate and unhampered
exchange of ideas become the halimark of the State.

In the Philippines, freedom of the press is a right protected by no less than the
Constitution. At the very core of the right is the liberty to discuss publicly and
truthfully all matters of public interest without prior censorship or subsequent
punishment. It signifies the freedom of a person to communicate with other members
of the body politic.

It was in this liberal spirit that the Legislature enacted Republic Act No. 53 in
1946. The Act exempted the publisher, editor, columnist, or duly accredited reporter
of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation from being
compelled to reveal the source of any news report or information appearing in said
publication which was related in confidence to such publisher, editor or reporter,
unless the court or a House or committee of Congress finds that such revelation is
demanded by the security of the State.


As in the case of anything good, Republic Act No. 53 had already outgrown its
usefulness, so to speak. It would have been a very good law if only it anticipated the
growth and development of mass media. Unfortunately, only members of the print
media are covered under its provisions.

It is beyond doubt that included within the concept of the "press" are such
vehicles of communications as radio, television and printed publications. Republic
Act No. 53, therefore, failed to cope with the exigencies of modemization. In view of
the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House BillNo. _ 2854

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

AN ACT
FURTHER AMENDING SECTION ONE OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 53, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS AN ACT TO EXEMPT THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR, COLUMNIST OR
REPORTER OF ANY PUBLICATION FROM REVEALING THE SOURCE OF
PUBLISHED NEWS OR INFORMATION OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. - Section One of Republic Act No. 53 is further amended to read
as follows:

"SECTION 1.Without prejudice to his liability under the civil and criminal laws,
the publisher, editor, columnist, or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper,
Magazine or periodical of general circulation and the manager or duly
accredited reporter or newscaster of any radio or television station, network or
facility, cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news report or
information appearing in said publication or emanating from said radio or
television station, network or facility which was related in confidence to such
Publisher, editor or reporter unless the court or a Senate or House Committee
‘of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the security of the
State."

SEC. 2. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its approval,

Approved.