SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
) 
) 
) 
Senate Bill No. 
163 4 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE, 
'13 
SEP 11 
P 2 :33 
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 hallmark 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 politics. 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 modernization. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 16 3 4 
) 
) 
) 
'1] 
SEP 11 
P 2 :33 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
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 1 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, [T]the publisher, editor, 
COLUMNIST, or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, 
magazine or periodical of general circulation AND THE MANAGER 
OR DUL Y 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 House or committee of Congress 
finds that such revelation is demanded by the interest of the State." 
SEC. 2. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its 
approval. 
Approved,