Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco (File photo) MANILA - The Philippines has taken "positive steps" in protecting journalists, according to the 2021-2022 "World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Global Report" released recently by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In a statement Thursday, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), welcomed the comprehensive and impartial report as proof of the real commitment of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to safeguard press freedom in the country through the PTFoMS. Egco said the UNESCO Global Report highlighted the Philippines as among the very few countries in the world that have undertaken "good practices and positive measures" in the safety of journalists. He said the UNESCO report took note of the concrete m
ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Rowena Nina Taduran (File photo) MANILA - ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Rowena Nina Taduran recently filed a resolution seeking a congressional investigation on the reported modus operandi of Pangasinan-based newsman Jaime Aquino which involved the filing of fake criminal complaints that has victimized several people including government officials. In House Resolution No. 2521, Taduran called on "the appropriate committee to investigate aid of legislation on the practice of filing false criminal complaints" pursuant to the letter dated March 7 from Undersecretary Jose Joel M. Sy Egco, Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS)" who exposed the criminal activities of Mr. Aquino. As stated in Taduran's resolution, "USec. Egco narrated that a certain Jaime Aquino, said to be the publisher of the Northern Star (supposedly a local newspaper) and former correspondent for The Manila Times, is involved in the filing of