A Valuable Review. Here’s a valuable statement from the University of the Philippines College of Media and Communication on the planned move of the Senate to block the news media camera staff from independent audiovisual multimedia coverage of today’s Senate vote on the impeachment

WordPress Daily Writing Prompt: What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it? ANSWER: A Valuable Review. Yes, it was worth it.

Here’s a valuable statement from the University of the Philippines College of Media and Communication on the planned move of the Senate to block the news media camera staff from independent audiovisual multimedia coverage of today’s Senate vote on the impeachment:

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August 6, 2025

STATEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION ON REPORTS OF RESTRICTIONS ON INDEPENDENT NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE SENATE IMPEACHMENT VOTE

The University of the Philippines College of Media and Communication expresses grave concern over reports that independent news media camera staff have been barred from covering today’s Senate vote on the impeachment proceedings inside the plenary hall. This restriction, reportedly justified by space limitations and the presence of invited guests, effectively limits real-time, contextual, and comprehensive audiovisual documentation of a matter of significant public interest.

Such a move constitutes a form of prior restraint and censorship, undermining the constitutional guarantees of press freedom and the public’s right to information. The official actuations and behavior of Senators during public proceedings are not only matters of record—they are acts of governance that must remain visible and accountable to the Filipino people.

The decision to allow only in-house Senate cameras to document the proceedings raises serious concerns about editorial independence, transparency, and the integrity of public discourse. It sets a troubling precedent for the selective mediation of political events, especially those with far-reaching implications for democratic accountability.

We respectfully urge the Senate to reconsider any restrictions that compromise the independence of media coverage. We call for the full and unfettered access of accredited news media organizations to public proceedings, in keeping with the principles of transparency, democratic oversight, and the public’s right to know.

The College stands in solidarity with journalists and media workers in asserting the essential role of a free and independent press in safeguarding democratic institutions. We reiterate our call: No media bans. No censorship. Uphold the public’s right to witness history as it unfolds.