The Philippines recorded its highest ranking in 21 years on the Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) World Press Freedom Index 2025, placing 116th out of 180 countries and territories worldwide.
The country jumped by 18 spots from last year’s index, where it ranked 134th.
It must be noted, however, that the Philippines only received a score of 49.57 (difficult situation) this year — a minor improvement from its score of 43.36 (difficult situation) in the 2024 index.
RSF computes its scores based on political, economic, legislative, social, and security indicators.
It then determines a country’s press freedom situation as “very serious” (0 to 40 points), “difficult” (40 to 55 points), “problematic” (55 to 70 points), “satisfactory” (70 to 85 points), and “good” (85 to 100 points).
“This ranking is a welcome development on the eve of World Press Freedom Day and a boost to our efforts to address media-related threats and attacks,” Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. said.
“With the cooperation of government agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as our media partners, we will remain vigilant in defending press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists,” he added.
The PTFOMS official likewise acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by the Philippine media, including the recent killing of veteran journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang.
Assuring stakeholders of the PNP’s active investigation regarding Dayang’s case, Torres called on the public to join efforts in protecting press freedom.
Meanwhile, national newspaper association Philippine Press Institute (PPI) issued a statement ahead of World Press Freedom Day and the upcoming elections.
“In the run-up to the May 12 midterm polls, the PPI denounces the continuous attacks on journalists and media workers. At least 15 incidents have been recorded since the campaign period began in February,” the statement read.
“Despite our shortcomings, journalism’s best defense against these threats is serving the public. Our media-citizen councils give us hope as the very communities we serve recognize the crucial role that media plays in a functioning democracy,” it added.
