NASSA/CaritasPH: A government that curtails press freedom is an insecure government

In an interview with the Union of Catholic News (UCAN), NASSA/Caritas Philippines' National Director, Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD expresses disbelief over the government's recent action against Rappler and other media entities in the country.

"The action smacks of "reign of terror," an arrogant and high-handed warning to the media practitioners that do not kowtow to the administration," states Archbishop Tirona.

He further expressed that "a government that curtails or limits press freedom and freedom of expression is a frightened and insecure government. It is not worthy to lead the people to truth, justice and to the total good."

Thus he appealed to all media practitioners, especially that "Catholic media must always side with Freedom which is a sure way to human enrichment. It must be courageous to denounce what blocks healthy expressions of creativity and of freedom. It must be vigilant against agents of lies and darkness."

Lastly, he called on all Catholic faithful "to be guided and enlightened by the Catholic teachings to discern what is true and false, fake and authentic, good and evil. The faithful must not just swallow what they hear or read. They must think and process what's being said or written."