Richtelle Joy M.

Gaac 11- Stem Valor

The Silenced Ink: Unveiling the Shadows of Oppression

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life”. Today
we must consider these words as we address a growing concern in the Philippines’ press oppression. In a
country that cherishes democracy, the freedom of the press is facing severe challenges. A pleasant day
to everyone. Today, I want to talk about something that affects us all the press oppression in the
Philippines. Imagine a world where the voices should be heard are silenced, where the truth is hidden,
and where journalists face threats for simply doing their jobs.

Recent data from the 2022 world Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders reveals a
troubling decline in press freedom in the Philippines. Journalists are facing intimidation and violence,
and have been targeted for exposing corruption and criticizing government policies, stifling their ability
to report without fear. An alarming example is the shutdown of Abs-cbn, the largest broadcasting
network in the Philippines, in 2020. This move was widely criticized as an attack on media freedom, left
millions of Filipinos without a crucial source of independent news.

In the Philippines, press oppression has been a concerning issue. Journalists, whose role is to keep
us informed, are often met with challenges that that restrict their freedom. They face censorship,
threats and intimidation. This not only hinders their ability to report unbiased news but also affects our
right to know what’s happening around us.

A free press is the backbone of any democracy. It holds those in power accountable, sheds light on
important issues, and empowers citizens with knowledge. I urge you all to take a stand against
oppression because the ink of the truth should never be silenced by the chains of it. Lets us be the
guardians of free press, ensuring that the pen remains mightier than any attempt to stifle it’s power. By
being guardians of press freedom, we will find a path to a society built on justice, transparency, and the
unyielding pursuit of a better tomorrow.

Everyone, let’s reflect on the power of a free press and its role on our society. Press oppression
threatens the freedom of journalists, but our awareness and collective voice can be the catalyst to
change it. Let’s advocate for a world where journalists can report without fear, ensuring an informed
and empowered society for generations to come. And finally, I want to end this speech by reiterating the
quote that I have said earlier “freedom is never at any price, it is the breath of life”. Thank You!