FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
'-
421 
S.No. ___ _ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
Under Republic Act No. 53, members of the press (i.e., print media) enjoy protection from being 
compelled to reveal their sources except in cases involving national security, as determined by 
the courts or any Committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives. 
Because of advances in broadcast and communications technology, there is no doubt that 
members of the broadcast media (i.e., 'radio and television reporters, commentators, talk show 
hosts, internet reporters, bloggers, etc.), now play an equally important role in the dissemination 
of news and as well as in shaping public opinion and public policy, not to mention in exposing 
corruption and anomalies in governmen~. 
Hence, it is imperative that the protection enjoyed by members of the print media be extended 
also to broadcast media practitioners. 
Accordingly, the passage of this bill is earnestly enjoined. 
~t~\· -
'JNto~IO "SONNY" F. TRILLANES IV 
Senator 
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• 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
v 
421 
S.No. ___ _ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 53, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 'AN 
ACT TO EXEMPT THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR OR REPORTER OF ANY 
PUBLICATION FROM REVEALING THE SOURCE OF PUBLISHED NEWS OR 
INFORMATION OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE BY INCLUDING WITHIN ITS 
COVERAGE JOURNALISTS 
FROM BROADCAST, 
NEWS 
AGENCIES 
AND 
INTERNET PUBLICATIONS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Amendment of Section 1, R.A. 53.- Section lof Republic Act No. 53, as 
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amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows: 
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"Section 1. Without prejudice to his liability under the civil and criminal 
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laws, [the publisher, editor, columnist or duly accredited reporter of any 
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newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation cannot be compelled to 
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reveal the source of any news-report or information appearing in said publication 
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which was related in confidenc~ to such publisher, editor or reporter unless the 
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court or a House or committee of Congress] A DULY ACCREDITED 
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JOURNALIST OF ANY PRINT, BROADCAST, INTERNET, OR WIRE 
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SERVICE ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING THE PUBLISHER, STATION 
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OWNER AND/OR MANAGER, BUREAU CHIEF/ EDITOR, NEWS EDITOR, 
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WRITER OR REPORTER, CORRESPONDENT, OPINION COLUMNIST OR 
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COMMENTATOR, 
CARTOONIST, 
PHOTOGRAPHER, 
OR 
OTHER 
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PRACTITIONER INVOLVED IN THE WRITING, EDITING, COMMENTING 
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ON THE NEWS FOR MASS CIRCULATION CANNOT BE COMPELLED TO 
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REVEAL THE SOURCE OF ANY NEWS ITEM, NEWS REPORT OR 
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INFORMATION APPEARING OR BEING REPORTED OR DISSEMINATED 
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IN SAID MEDIA, WHICH WAS RELATED IN CONFIDENCE TO SUCH 
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JOURNALIST OR PRACTITIONER UNLESS THE COURT OR THE HOUSE 
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OF REPRESENTATIVES OR THE SENATE OR ANY OF ITS COMMITTEES 
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finds that such revelation is demanded by the security of the State." 
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SEC. 2. Repealing Gause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules or regulations or 
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parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified. 
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SICC. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
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publication in at least two newspapers of national circulation. 
Approved, 
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