Pope Francis: We need a journalism that is free

Pope Francis on Friday said journalism should be free and help build a culture of encounter.

"We need a journalism that is free, at the service of truth, goodness, and justice; a journalism that helps build a culture of encounter. #DefendMediaFreedom," the Pope said in a tweet.

We need a journalism that is free, at the service of truth, goodness, and justice; a journalism that helps build a culture of encounter. #DefendMediaFreedom

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) May 3, 2019

World Press Freedom Day was observed in many countries on Friday, May 3, amid concerns of lack of press freedom in some areas.

The Philippines dropped one spot in the 2019 World Press Freedom Index, placing 134th out of 180 countries at a time when political leaders' hostility against journalists has reportedly incited acts of violence, a media watchdog said last month.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders reported the Philippines scored 43.91 points, in between the United Arab Emirates and Morocco/Western Sahara, in an index that ranks Norway as first and Turkmenistan as 180th.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar issued a statement on Friday saying President Rodrigo Duterte’s government will continue to respect the freedom of the press amid allegations it has made actions aimed at stifling dissent. —KG, GMA News