· . 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILLIPNES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
1024 
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Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution under Article ill of the Bill of Rights, Section 4 provides that "No law 
shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the 
people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances". 
Freedom of the press is guaranteed by a government of free public press for its citizens 
and their association, extended to members of news gathering organizations, and their published 
reporting. It also extended to news gathering and processes involved in obtaining information for . 
public distribution. 
Freedom of the press implies that all people should have the right to express themselves 
in writing or in any other way of expression of personal opinion or creativity. The Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights indicates: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and 
expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, 
receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless offrontiers". 
The amendment will give them the same protection: "the journalist cannot be compelled 
to reveal the source of any news item, news report or information reported or disseminated in the 
media which was related in confidence to the journalist". 
The bill will not only strengthen the confidence of journalist in broadcast, news agencies 
and in the internet sector but will recognize the important role they play, alongside print 
reporters, and in nation building. 
Hence early approval of this bill is highly recommended. 
G REVILLA, JR. 


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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILLIPNES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
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JUL 22 P 3 :D6 
SENATE 
___________________ 
S_.B_.N_O_.==1~_O~2~4 ______ R_d_~(_!_;j_;_'_ji_!l-Y-:~f' 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
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 the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Section I of Republic Act No, 53, as amended, is hereby further amended 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 cannot be 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 as or a House or committee of Congress] A DULY ACCREDITED 
JOURNALIST OF ANY PRINT, BROADCAST, INTERNET, OR WIRE 
SERVICE ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING THE PUBLISHER, STATION 
OWNER AND/OR MANAGER, BUREAU CHIEF, EDITOR, NEWS 
EDITOR, WRITER OR REPORTER, CORRESPONDENT, OPINION 
COLUMNIST 
OR 
COMMENTATOR, 
CARTOONIST, 
PHOTOGRAPHER, OR OTHER PRACTITIONER INVOLVED IN THE 
WRITING, EDITING, COMMENTING OF THE NEWS FOR MASS 
CmCULATION CANNOT BE COMPELLED TO REVEAL THE SOURCE 
, 
OF 
ANY 
NEWS 
ITEM, 
NEWS 
REPORT 
OR INFORMATION 
APPEARING OR BEING REPORTED OR DISSIMINATED IN SAID 
MEDIA, WHICH WAS RELATED IN CONFIDENCE TO SUCH 
JOURNALIST OR PRACTITIONER UNLESS THE COURT OR THE 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OR THE SENATE OR ANY OF ITS 
COMMITTEES finds such revelation is demanded by the security of the state." 
Section 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations 
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified. 
Section 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in at least two newspapers of national circulation. 
Approved,