Irene Khan in the Country: Is it promoting or limiting freedom of Opinion and Expression?

To the Editor,

Irene Khan, special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, arrived in the country to assess the administration’s efforts to protect freedom of opinion and expression, according to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

The PTFoMS also said that the visit of Khan is a welcome opportunity to showcase the nation’s commitment to openness, transparency, and its vibrant media community, highlighted by everyone’s right to freely express their opinion.

However, it seems like there is an inconsistency between what has to be done and what is actually occurring.

Here in Baguio, one of the cities visited by the special rapporteur, there are things I observed that need to be considered. I wanted to bring attention to raise awareness and potentially prompt a response from the organizers and concerned agencies to enlighten us all.

They said that the meeting that they held here in Baguio was open to the public, but there was no representation from the general public, not even the media. It is important for organizations to uphold the values they profess, such as freedom of opinion and expression. Does it support their claim “of freedom of opinion and expression”? What about the opinion of the majority of the general public that has been kept unheard by the said rapporteur?

I cannot blame the local government unit for allowing the forum, represented and facilitated by the Vice Mayor and other council members, though it seems to be more favorable to the state’s enemies.

Because I believe and it is true that local governments should provide a platform for diverse perspectives, even if those differ from their own. I hope that in allowing such a forum, the facilitating members of the LGU didn’t endorse or facilitate the idea that has been presented there. I am hoping and confident that they just value freedom of speech and the exchange of differing viewpoints. But again, if the attendees were not limited, then the forum could be more productive.

Another thing is that it appears that there are concerns about Ms. Khan’s consultation process, with worries that she may be engaging primarily with organizations that support the left. I am worried about the absence of inclusive dialogue and transparency. Wouldn’t it be better to engage and involve various stakeholders, including those who may hold differing perspectives, to emphasize the need for balanced and comprehensive consultation to ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the pursuit of a meaningful and reasonable solution?

Are the conclusions that they project, which stem from only a handful of sources and biased investigations, not detrimental to the nation?   ### Aries Cariño, Baguio City