Forty news organizations and over 300 individual journalists pledged to protect the 2022 elections from disinformation, cheating, corruption, partisan interests, and other threats to democracy.
They also committed to stand in solidarity with each other when news organizations or reporters face harassment over critical reportage of candidates and their campaigns.
The journalists gathered in a webinar on Saturday, July 17, and released a statement that underscores the role of independent media during another critical moment in the country.
“Credible elections need credible media; conversely, corrupted media can further corrupt politics,” the pledge read.
Economist and columnist Solita Monsod, who hosted the webinar, emphasized the need to close ranks and uphold press freedom amid attacks under the current administration.