Our ability to have such varying (political) sentiments is based on the fundamental principle we call 'human freedoms.' Our ability to have such sentiments expressed and heard is based on an equally fundamental principle - a free media.

The prime advocacy of Isis International-Manila for more than 30 years is Community and Independent Media in developing countries. While the context of this advocacy is often keeping media free from market- or commercial- driven interests, it is occasionally keeping media free from political restraints.

Currently, the Philippine government is invoking Article 12, Section 17 of the Philippine Constitution, which states:

In times of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State may, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately owned public utility or business affected with public interest.

This is alarming, particularly as the government has said this may include media outlets which air broadcasts or publish reports that aid or support coup plotters. Already, the police have raided the Daily Tribune office and prevented copies of its newspapers from being distributed; there have been requests to stop coverage of many critical events like the Marine protests; and it is anticipated that the government will issue guidelines on media reporting.

We join the call to keep media free via launching the FREE FOR ALL campaign. Ten women, representing the multiple identities of Filipino women are endorsing this campaign.

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