CHR: Election workers need training on respecting media rights

Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City. Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta.

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights underscored the need for proper training of poll workers on efficient information dissemination even as it received reports that some media members were prohibited from covering on election day.

According to CHR, poll workers must be oriented on the importance of a free press especially during an election, as it is a fundamental pillar of the country’s democratic functions.

“CHR reminds all election authorities, law enforcement agencies, and local officials of their duty to respect and protect the rights of journalists and media personnel. It is imperative that Comelec’s guidelines regarding media access are clearly communicated and consistently upheld across all polling precincts,” CHR said.

“It is also recommended that election personnel and law enforcement officers undergo orientation on the rights of media workers, including existing laws on press freedom, non-obstruction of news coverage, and how to handle security-related concerns without infringing on journalistic activity,” it added.

READ: Task force on media security cites 3 cases of media harassment 

CHR said that “every effort must be made” to ensure that journalists can cover significant events and do their work without fear or interference.

“As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission reiterates its commitment to safeguarding civil and political liberties, particularly during significant democratic events such as elections,” the commission said.

“A free press is a cornerstone of a just and transparent society, and every effort must be made to ensure that journalists are able to perform their duties without fear, interference, or harm,” it added.

CHR did not mention in particular what report it got, but a look on the Alisto! alert system on Viber shows Facebook links where reporters from alternative media site Pinoy Weekly were supposedly not allowed to monitor the voting process at a polling precinct inside the Pintong Gubat Elementary School in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

According to Pinoy Weekly’s caption, there was a need to inform the Comelec officer in Dasmariñas before they were allowed to cover, despite having identification cards.

Furthermore, CHR also said that there were instances wherein some media workers experienced intimidation and surveillance by unidentified individuals while they were covering the recently concluded 2025 midterm elections.

During election day, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) itself sounded alarm over the reported harassment of some media personnel covering the polls. Executive Director  Jose Torres Jr. said that such actions undermine press freedom and the essential role of the media.

READ: Marcos on Alyansa bets: We hoped for more but we live to fight again 

“These incidents raise serious alarm as they infringe on press freedom and the right of the public to access timely and accurate information—rights that are fundamental to any democratic process, especially during elections. The Commission calls for an immediate and impartial investigation into these reported incidents,” CHR said.

“Media workers play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process. Any action that hinders their ability to report freely and safely undermines not only the principles of press freedom, but also the right of every Filipino to be informed about their vote,” it added.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the role of the media during an election season is important, but often undervalued.  In his speech at the thanksgiving party for the Alyansa Para sa Bagong PIlipinas slate which he supported, Marcos said the media was a vital component in ensuring that the candidates’ messages reached the people.

Marcos said that he hopes the media can help him during the three remaining years of his term, as there is a need to achieve the goals of his administration. / MR