From the Manila Times (Jun 23, 2022): Palace backs order to block 'terror' websites (By Catherine S. Valente, Francis Earl Cueto and Moises Cruz)
Acting Palace spokesman Martin Andanar. File Photo
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday justified the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block websites linked to terrorist organizations.
"The recent move of the NTC to block certain websites is upon the request of the National Security Council in performance of its mandate," Acting Palace spokesman Martin Andanar said in a statement.
"Legal remedies are available to any party, including online media outfit Bulatlat, affected by this action," he added.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. earlier asked the NTC to prohibit access to websites of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), progressive groups National Federation of Peasant Women and Pamalakaya-Pilipinas, as well as independent media Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly.
The CPP-NPA-NDF was classified as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council.
"They have established a pervasive online presence through their website that they continually use to publish propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and solicit funds from local and international sources," Esperon said in his letter to the NTC.
Meanwhile, militant groups denounced the NTC's action, alleging it was an attempt to silence government's critics in online media.
"We ask the Senate and House of Representatives' human rights committees, as well as the Commission on Human Rights, to look into this violation of these marginalized groups' right to free expression," said Ariel Casilao, national president of Anakpawis party-list, a member of the Makabayan Coalition.
"The move to block the websites of legitimate mass organizations and alternative media is yet another move to dilute the truth," Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares said.
Outgoing Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said the NTC's move should prompt legal experts to review the anti-terrorism law.
"This heavy-handed move will hopefully give the court another look at the broad anti-democratic provisions of the terror law."
The other websites blocked by the NTC were Hiyaw, PRWC Newsroom, Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions, Compatriots-Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families, UMA Pilipinas, Arkibong Bayan, International League of People Struggle, Counter Punch, International Action Center, Monthly Review, People's March, Taga-Ilog News, Partisa-News, and People Resist News.
The NTC instructed internet providers to strictly follow its directive.
"You are hereby directed to effect the immediate blocking of the reported websites found to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorists and terrorist organizations," NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a memorandum to internet service providers.
"This heavy-handed move will hopefully give the court another look at the broad anti-democratic provisions of the terror law."
The other websites blocked by the NTC were Hiyaw, PRWC Newsroom, Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions, Compatriots-Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families, UMA Pilipinas, Arkibong Bayan, International League of People Struggle, Counter Punch, International Action Center, Monthly Review, People's March, Taga-Ilog News, Partisa-News, and People Resist News.
The NTC instructed internet providers to strictly follow its directive.
"You are hereby directed to effect the immediate blocking of the reported websites found to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorists and terrorist organizations," NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a memorandum to internet service providers.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/06/23/news/national/palace-backs-order-to-block-terror-websites/1848410
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