Cebu commemorates press freedom on historic martial-law anniversary amid new media bans
Cebu's 34th Press Freedom Week opens on September 21, the date linked to Marcos' 1972 martial-law start, while recent U.S. journalist bans echo past censorship.
Cebu City launched its 34th annual Press Freedom Week, with the centerpiece on September 21, the day Republic Act No. 11122 designates as Cebu Press Freedom Day and the same date Marcos used to signal the start of martial law in 1972. The observance honors late journalist Juan Mercado, one of the first detainees under Marcos, and features books from the Human Rights Violation Victims’ Memorial Commission and survivor Democrito Barcenas.
The article also references President Donald Trump's recent decision to bar journalists from several outlets from the White House, likening it to past authoritarian media bans. It criticizes current political figures, including Rodrigo and Sara Duterte, for attacking reformist groups while ignoring ongoing protests and Supreme Court rulings overturning graft convictions against Imelda Marcos. Memorials in Plaza Independencia, Barangay Tisa and the Redemptorist Church commemorate victims, and upcoming forums at the University of the Philippines Cebu and the Marcelo B. Fernan Cebu Press Center will discuss media safety and misinformation. The piece urges remembrance of past abuses to prevent future violations.
Why it matters
It highlights how historical press repression informs current threats to journalistic freedom and democratic accountability.
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