A Wanton Disregard for Press Freedom

spread, sign and pass to other journalists
(email you name and media network to nujphil@gmail.com)

lifted from Bulatlat.com

There are presently 43 journalists in the Philippines facing libel charges filed by First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo. The sheer number betrays a wanton disregard for freedom of the press and the propensity to use power and influence to silence critics. This statement is to protest the use of the libel law to stop critical reports and commentaries and to fight for the right of every Filipino to seek and receive information and ideas on matters of public interest, which are at the very core of the concept of a democratic society.
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The law on libel exists to protect private citizens from unwarranted damage to reputation, but in the Philippines libel has been predominantly used by public officials as a tool to cow an independent press.

The most glaring example is the multiple libel cases filed by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo against 43 reporters, columnists, editors, publishers, and even a subscription manager, of various publications.We will not dispute the merits of the cases nor Mr. Arroyo's right to defend his honor and dignity, as he and his lawyers insist.

What we decry is his propensity to sue journalists so as to muzzle those he does not agree with and sending out a clear signal to others that they risk the same ordeal should they dare cross him.

Mr. Arroyo is, after all, no ordinary mortal. As Presidential husband, he clearly enjoys immense power and influence, not just by his status but also because he does head the Office of the First Gentleman. And many, if not most, of his deeds and pronouncements dwell in the realm of public interest. He is, therefore, both a public figure and public official.

That he is aware of this status and has no qualms of wielding it against his perceived enemies is evident in the fact that, when he filed his latest suit against the Tulfo brothers, he gave his address as Malacañang Palace, as if to stress who he is.

The record number of cases Mr. Arroyo has filed highlight how the powerful in this benighted land regularly abuse libel laws to curtail the democratic right of the press to delve into the truth behind matters of public interest and the people's right to know. It is also the best argument for decriminalizing an outdated law that has been used not so much to protect the innocent as to shield the guilty.

We demand that Congress immediately work to repeal the law on libel, to strike it off the book of criminal statutes, as part of its sworn duty to strengthen our badly eroded and still beleaguered democracy.

We demand that Jose Miguel Arroyo cease and desist from this clear abuse of his power and influence and squarely face the issues raised against him where they are properly addressed, in the arena of free and democratic discourse.
We pledge that neither this nor any other attempts by those in power to trample on the freedom of the press and the people's right to know shall go unchallenged.

We commit ourselves to the continued struggle to realize the true blooming of democracy in our land, when freedom of expression shall be enshrined not just in our aspirations but in practice.

Signed by:
Philippine Media Organizations
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Bandillo ng Palawan
Sorsogon Organization of News writers, Announcers and Reporters (SONAR)
Manila Chinese Press Club (MCPC)
Negros Weekly
Negros Daily Bulletin
Cobra-Ans
Alyansa ng mga Filipinong Mamamahayag (AFIMA)
Association of Responsible Media (ARM)
Northern Media and Information Network (NMIN)

International Organizations
International Federation of Journalists
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Indian Media Centre (India)
Reporters Without Borders
Committee to Protect Journalists
Southeast Asian Press Alliance
Hong Kong Journalists Association
National Union of Journalists (India)
Federation of Media Employee's Trade Unions
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Hong Kong Journalists Association
Northern Media and Information Network (NMIN)

Individuals
Jose Torres Jr. (Chairperson, NUJP)
Rowena Paraan (Secretary-General, NUJP)
Nonoy Espina (Director, NUJP)
Inday Espina-Varona (Director, NUJP)
Sonny E. Fernandez (National Vice Chairperson, NUJP/ABC 5)
Elmer James Bandol (NUJP-Albay)
Leti Boniol (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Ruben Alabastro (Inquirer)
Julie Aurelio (Inquirer)
Elvira Mata (Inquirer)
Adelle Geraldo (Inquirer)
Lorna Kalaw-Tirol (Inquirer)
Juan Sarmiento Jr. (Inquirer)
Chito de la Vega (Inquirer)
Stephanie Asuncion (Inquirer)
Jun Bandayrel (Inquirer)
Tina Arceo-Dumlao (Inquirer)
Margie Espino (Inquirer)
Corrie Salientes-Narisma (Inquirer)
Monica Feria (Inquirer)
Vangie Baga-Reyes (Inquirer)
Mylene Francisco (Inquirer)
Miguel Suarez (Inquirer)
Ted Melendres (Inquirer)
Jun Cinco (Inquirer)
A. Noel Velasco (Inquirer)
Abelardo Ulanday (Inquirer)
Rosario Garcellano (Inquirer)
Artemio Engracia Jr. (Inquirer)
Jose Ma. Nolasco (Inquirer)
John B. Bayarong (NUJP-Olongapo/Subic)
Romy Elusfa (Business Mirror)
Joyce Pañares (Manila Standard Today)
Marlon Ramos (Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau-Laguna)
Carla P. Gomez (Visayan Daily Star, Bacolod City)
Arman Toga, editor (Negros Daily Bulletin)
Ire Jo V.C. Laurente (DWOM-FM, Mindoro)
Julie S. Alipala, ( Inquirer Mindanao Bureau-Zamboanga City)
David Santos ( ABS-CBN Zamboanga City )
Vicente Jaime Villafranca (Philippine Graphic)
Ramon Acasio (Philippine Graphic)
Lynette Ordoñez-Luna (Independent)
Rollie Espina, Philippine Star and Negros Press Club
Ma. Ester Espina, Media Advocates for Reproductive Health and Empowerment
Delfin Perez (Manila Bulletin)
Gerry Albert Corpuz (contributor, Bulatlat.com)
Jofelle Tesorio (Bandillo ng Palawan)
Ansbert B. Joaquin (NUJP Olongapo-Subic)
Tony Bergonia (Inquirer)
Raul Marcelo (Inquirer)
Eric Olona (Inquirer)
Linda Bolido (Inquirer)
Chelo B. Formoso (Inquirer)
Fernando del Mundo (Inquirer)
Cenon Bibe Jr. (Inquirer)
Sandra Sendoyro (Inquirer)
Romina Austria (Inquirer)
Princess Daily Omilga (Inquirer)
Ernie Sarmiento (Inquirer)
Keith Bacongco (Business Mirror)
Jun Verzola (Northern Dispatch Weekly)
Delfin T. Mallari Jr. (Inquirer Southern Luzon-Quezon)
Dodong Solis (Radio Mindanao Networks-Davao)
Alexander Martin Remollino (Bulatlat Online Magazine, NUJP)
Dennis Maliwanag (inq7.net)
Ces Rodriguez (One Philippines)
Raffy Jimenez (GMANews.TV)
Ilang-Ilang Quijano (Pinoy Weekly)
Noel Sales Barcelona (Pinoy Weekly, NUJP)
Soliman A. Santos (Pinoy Weekly, NUJP/Elliptical Press Corps director)
Kenneth Roland A. Guda (Pinoy Weekly, NUJP)
D'Jay Lazaro (Pinoy Weekly managing editor, NUJP/NCPM Executive Director)
Rogelio L. Ordoñez (Pinoy Weekly EIC, NUJP/NPC)
Bayani Abadilla (Pinoy Weekly, News Editor, NUJP/NPC)
Roel Pareno (Philippine Star)
Frencie Carreon (Zamboanga Today)
Carol "Rollie" Montilla (Eastern Times, Malaya, KMC Magazine)
Carmelito Q. Francisco (BusinessWorld-Mindanao/Mindanao Times)
Veronica Uy (INQ7.net)
Thea Alberto (INQ7.net)
Noel Godinez (Nothern Dispatch Weekly)
Rudy D. Liporada (Editor, Kapitbahay, San Diego, California)
Lito Banayo (Columnist, Malaya and Abante)
Aquiles Z. Zonio (Inquirer Mindanao Bureau/NUJP-General Santos City)
Edith Regalado
Iris Cecilia Gonzales (BusinessWorld)
Ma. Ceres P. Doyo (Inquirer)
Bobby Tuazon ( Bulatlat.com)
Grace Albasin (Inquirer Mindanao Bureau/NUJP)
Danilo A. Arao ( Bulatlat.com)
Merpu P. Roa (Filipino Express/MindaNews)
Ermin Garcia Jr. (Sunday Punch)
Susan Palmes (NUJP-Cagayan de Oro)
Rommel G. Rebolido (NUJP-General Santos)
Artemio A. Dumlao (Philippine Star/NUJP)
Raymond Panaligan (freelance photographer)
Ellen Tordesillas ( Malaya)
Hadrian Hernandez (Gulf News, UAE)
Carlos Isagani T. Zarate (Columnist,Kris-Crossing Mindanao, Inquirer)
Edwin C. Mercurio (Philippine Press Club-Ontario, Canada)
Ninotchka Rosca (Novelist/journalist)
Michael Sarcauga (NUJP-Pagadian)
Ma. Diosa Labiste (NUJP-Iloilo/community journalist)
Nestor Burgos Jr. (Inquirer-Iloilo/NUJP)
Michael L. Ubac (Inquirer)
Ronnel Domingo (Inquirer)
Tarra Quismundo (Inquirer)
Philip Cesar Tubeza (Inquirer)
Marinel R. Cruz (Inquirer)
Kathryn L. Reyes (Inquirer)
Pamela Samia (Inquirer)
Robert Jaworski Abaño (Inquirer Northern Luzon Bureau)
Vincent Cabreza (Inquirer Northern Luzon Bureau)
Desiree Caluza (Inquirer Northern Luzon Bureau)
Jonathan Cellona (photojournalist, BusinessWorld)
Voltaire F. Domingo
Paul M. Gutierrez (Journal Group)
Gerry Kaimo
Gene de Loyola
Joel Salud (freelance writer)
Edralyn Benedicto (Inquirer Visayas Bureau)
Cheryll Fiel ( Davao Today/NUJP)
Grace Uddin ( Davao Today/NUJP)
Pam Pastor (Inquirer)
Psyche Mendoza
Gil Nartea (Philippine Center for Photojournalism)
Butch Hilario (freelance journalist)
Armando Malay Jr.
Ares P. Gutierrez (Al Nisr Media-Dubai/Gulf News)
Carlos H. Conde
Alexander T. Magno (GMA-News.TV )
Ricky Carandang (ANC)
Allan M. Mediante (Mindanao Trustee, Philippine Press Institute/Mindanao Gold Star Daily)
Jun Galias (NUJP-Sorsogon)
Manny Lucila (SONAR)
Bobby Q. Labalan (Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau/NUJP)
Jose F. Lacaba
Jun Godoy (NUJP-Ozamiz City)

rey SC Makilan (Bulatlat.com/Silangan Shimbun)
Tony Abejo (Malindang Tribune/ NUJP-Misamis Occidental)
Florfina Marcelino (The Philippine Times, Winnepeg, Canada)
Erwin Oliva (INQ7.net/ cyberbaguioboy.com.ph)
Armin Adina (Inquirer Libre)
Ritchie Sabado (Inquirer Libre)
Bayani San Diego (Inquirer)
Cora Lucas (Inquirer)
Heraldo "Boy" Cabrido (Inquirer)
Raffy Lerma (Inquirer)
Grace Pagulayan (Inquirer)
Dennis Eroa (Inquirer Libre)
Rommel Lalata (Inquirer Libre)
John Nery (Inquirer)
Ariel Dim. Borlongan (Balita)
Rorie Fajardo (GMANews.TV)
Darwin Wee (BusinessWorld)
Leila Vicente (ABS-CBN Zamboanga)
Raul Valino (Philippine Graphic at Business Mirror)
Sonia M. Capio (Womantouch Media)
Allen V. Estabillo (MindaNews)
Al Alegre (Foundation for Media Alternatives)
Vi Massart, Chief European Correspondent, The Philippine Star)
Jon Joaquin (Mindanao Daily Mirror)
Martin Marfil (GMANews.TV)
Val Veneracion (GMANews.TV)
Clarissa Militante (GMANews.TV)
Jes Aznar (GMANews.TV)
Vic Montero (Editorial Chief, ABC 5)
Jackie Sierda (Executive Producer, The Big News, ABC 5)
Jove Francisco (Reporter, ABC 5)
Sherrie Ann Torres (Reporter, ABC 5)
Naomi Dayrit (Reporter, ABC 5)
Ge-Ann Pineda (Reporter, ABC 5)
Jason Torres (Reporter, ABC 5)
Michael Carreon (News writer, ABC 5)
Eric Montas (Senior Desk Offficer, News, ABC 5)
Mel Cabigting (Desk Officer, ABC 5)
Rowena Garcia (Desk Officer, ABC 5)
Paul Mendinuteo (Desk Officer, ABC 5)
Mary Grace Navarro (News Desk, ABC 5)
Greggy Eugenio (Video Researcher, News, ABC 5)
Gigi Gabriel (News Traffic, ABC 5)
Rhoneil Amores (Chief Cameraman, ABC 5)
Joseph Martiin (Graphics Artist, ABC 5)
Reggie Agullo (Chargen Operator, ABC 5)
Arnold Marquez (Supervisor, VTR Editing)
Arnold Macarasig (Playback Operator, News, ABC 5)
Norman Balcos (Video Researcher, News, ABC-5)
Ambet Quitil (VTR Editor, News, ABC 5)
Heinrich Agcaoili (VTR Editor, News, ABC 5)
Yancy Consul (VTR Editor, ABC 5)
Jim Libiran (Head, Public Affairs Department, ABC5)
Ed Lingao (Head, News Department, ABC 5)
Deo Bugaoisan (GMA7)
Lourdes Fernandez (Editor, Business Mirror)
Lyn Resurreccion (Business Mirror)
Dave Llorito (Business Mirror)
Fe Zamora (Inquirer)
Butch Galicia (Manila Media Monitor-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Tenny Soriano (Balita-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Mogi Mogado (Balita-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Hermie Garcia (Philippine Reporter-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Mila Astorga-Garcia (Philippine Reporter-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Edwin Mercurio (Philippine Reporter-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Ramon Datol (Philippine Courier-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Paul Dela Cruz (Philippine Times Canada-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Jess Cabrias (Atin Ito-Toronto/Philippine Press Club-Ontario)
Arnel Avila (NUJP-Quezon)
Ely Suyom (Manila Times)
Abner Bolos (Gitnang Luzon News Service)
Fred Villareal (Gitnang Luzon News Service)
Jay Torres (Pokus-Gitnang Luson)
Tonette Orejas (Inquirer Northern Luzon Bureau-Pampanga)
Romer S. Sarmiento (Businessworld Mindanao Bureau)
Carolyn O. Arguillas (Mindanews)
H. Marcos C. Mordeno (Mindanews)
Carmela Fonbuena (Newsbreak)
Glenda M. Gloria (Newsbreak)
Jose Pavia (Mabuhay/Executive Director, Philippine Press Institute)
Ruperto Toga (Publisher, Negros Daily Bulletin)
Elsie Jolingan (Negros Press Club)
Aufred Sa-onoy (Editor, Negros Newsweekly)
Modesto Sa-onoy (Negros Press Club)
Henry Cestina (Negros Press Club)
Jeffrey Gelangre (Negros Press Club)
Edmund Aspero (Congress of Active Media Practitioners)
Ferdinand Yngson (Congress of Active Media Practitioners)
Vicente S. Labro (Editor, Leyte-Samar Daily Express, Tacloban City)
Allan Nawal (Inquirer)
Rollie Carolina L. Montilla (Eastern Times, Malaya, KMC magazine/NUJP-Leyte)
Red Batario (Executive Director, Center for Community Journalism and Development)
Harley Palangchao (Manila Times Northern Luzon Bureau)
Jim Cristobal (Voice of Talamban, Cebu)
Arlyn dela Cruz (Net25)
Amalia Cabusao (Mindanao Times)
Melvin Gascon (Inquirer Cagayan Valley)
Lyn Ramo (Northern Dispatch Weekly)
Hazel Villa (Inquirer Iloilo)
Jay Hilotin (Al Nisr Media/Filipino Press Club-UAE)
Peterson Bergado (NUJP Cagayan de Oro)
Charlie Senase (Inquirer Cotabato City)
Malu Manar (Program Director, DXND Kidapawan)
Noel Punzalan (PNA Cotabato)
Andy Cruz (Periodico Banat GenSan)
Dodge Dillague (Creative Director, News, ABC 5)
Ross Andres (News Programs Director, ABC 5)
Jefferson Tan (Associate Producer, Frontlines, ABC 5)
Arlene Lim farol (Reporter, ABC 5)
Teresa Andrada (Reporter, ABC 5)
Faye Tobias (Reporter, ABC 5)
Divine Bucud (Field Producer, ABC 5)
Vincent Cristobal (Field Producer, ABC 5)
Bart De la Rosa (Technical Director, ABC 5)
Rolly Casipit (VTR Editor, ABC 5)
Gilbert Edradan (Sound Engineer, News, ABC 5)
Noel Malaluan (Sound Engineer, News, ABC 5)
Adonis Silverio (Cameraman, ABC 5)
Rose Silva (Supervisor, Finance Department, ABC 5)
Ariel P. Alimboyao (Lightman, News, ABC 5)
Carlos Jizmundo (President, ABC 5 Employees Union)
George Aquino (VTR Editor, ABC 5)
Peng Lomaad (Property Custodian, ABC 5)
Rose Chua (News Administrative Staff, ABC 5)
John Javellana (Cameraman, ABC 5)
Edward Navarette (Manager, News Operations, ABC 5)
Ali Sotto (News Anchor, Sentro, ABC 5)
Yvette Lee (Philippine Graphic)
Edgar Cadagat (NUJP Negros Oriental)
Julius Mariveles (news director, Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod)
JJ Deocampo (station manager, Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod)
Ely de los Santos (Congress of Active Media Practitioners)
Fred Sapa (Congress of Active Media Practitioners)
Fred Salanga (Congress of Active Media Practitioners)
Raymond Robert Burgos (Columnist, Abante and Abante Tonite)
Williamor A. Magbanua (Anchor/Program Coordinator/News writer, DXND)
Christopher R. Lim (Manila Times School of journalism)
Perry M. Calara (Kaiba News and Features/KNF/Pinoy Gazette)
Edwin G. Espejo (Sunstar General Santos)
Herbie Gomez (Gold Star Daily, Cagayan de Oro)
Adrian Cristobal (Philippine Graphic and Manila Bulletin)
Nick Legaspi (Managing Editor, Philippine Graphic)
Susan Bernas (Philippine Graphic)
Louie Jon Sanchez (Philippine Graphic)
Malou Francisco (Philippine Graphic)
Joel Egco (Manila Standard/Association of Responsible Media)
Anthonnette G. Adanza (Davao Del Sur Diurnal Newspaper)
Arnel Arsolon (DXBB GenSan)
Manny Autida (DXBB GenSan)
Edwin Espejo (Managing Editor, SunStar GenSan)
Bong Gonzales (RMN General Santos)
Cris Guarin (DXBB, General Santos)
John Paul Jubelag (Phil. Star, General Santos)
Jeffrey Jubelag (Mindanao Bulletin, General Santos)
Joseph Jubelag (Malaya, General Santos)
Al Josol (RMN General Santos)
Mel Koronel (RMN General Santos)
Isagani Palma (Manila Times, General Santos)
Arnie Delfin (Radyo Bombo Koronadal)
Jocelyn Uy (Inquirer)
Minerva Generalao (Inquirer)
Mel Lawrence de Guzman (Inquirer)
Maricar D. Tolosa (Inquirer)
Kate Pedroso (Inquirer)
Cyril L. Bonabente (Inquirer)
Sylvia Calderon (Freelance Journalist, Cotabato City)
Brenda S. Dacpano (nordis.net, Baguio)
Kimberlie Quitasol (nordis.net, Baguio)
Pink-Jean Fangon Melegrito (Northern Dispatch Weekly, Baguio)
Nestor Guillermo (Northern Dispatch Weekly, Baguio)
Arthur Allad-iw (Northern Dispatch Weekly, Baguio)
Kathleen Okubo (NUJP-Baguio-Benguet)
Benny Antiporda (National Press Club/Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag)
Sharon Felipe (Sunday Inquirer Magazine)
Lynett A. Villariba (inquirer)
Hernan S. de la Cruz (Inquirer Mindanao)
Roy Luarca (Inquirer)
Alya D. Honasan (Sunday Inquirer Magazine)
Pennie de la Cruz (Sunday Inquirer Magazine)
Marites Danguilan Vitug (Newsbreak)
Cheri Mercado (News Anchor, The Big News, ABC 5)
John Susi (Anchor, Sentro, ABC 5)
Jade Lopez (Head, Research Group, ABC 5)
Erel Cabatbat (Reporter, ABC 5)
Jesus Ramos (Field Producer, ABC 5)
Ed De Guzman (Cameraman, ABC 5)
Noli Gaya (Cameraman, ABC 5)
Ding Ubaldo (Assistant Cameraman, ABC 5)
Arnel Dizon (Assistant Cameraman, ABC 5)
Antonio T. Gabriel (Assistant Cameraman, ABC 5)
Nonoy Solero (VTR Editor, ABC 5)
Roland Bensan (VTR Editor, ABC 5)
Mando Covate (Systems Engineer, ABC 5)
Crispin Yumang (Audioman, ABC 5)
John Alquel Santos (Chargen Operator, ABC 5)
Pinky Dichoso (Supervisor, News Administration, ABC 5)
Cristina Estacio (Supervisor, Merchandising Dep't., ABC 5)
Raymund Generoso (Supervisor, Post-Production, Guiness Show, ABC 5)
Gail Ilagan (Columnist, MindaNews)
Patrick Cabrillos (dyKA, Catholic Media Network)
John Pagunsan ( HOT FM. 106-9 - HAMTIC,Antique)
Hector S. Udani, jr. (News Express-Antique Bureau)
Romeo Antonio ( HOT. FM. 106-9 - Hamtic,Antique)
Paul Petinglay ( Bombo Radyo Correspondent-Antique)
Jhie Zerrudo ( Jounrnal Visayas)
Peter Zaldivar ( HOT FM 106.9 Hamtic, Antique)
Julito P. Bale?a , Jr. Express --Antique Bureau)
Gina Apostol
Imelda Visaya-Abano (Womens Feature Services, Philippine Gazette, SEJ)
Manuel T. Cayon (BusinessMirror)
Cesar S. Ramirez(Phil.STAR)
Villamor Visaya Jr. (Inquirer Northern Luzon)
Frank Cimatu (Inquirer Northern Luzon)
Maurice Malanes (Inquirer Northern Luzon )
Peter La. Julian (Inquirer Northern Luzon)
Jo Clemente (Inquirer Central Luzon)
Russell Arador (Inquirer Central Luzon)
Jun Malig (Inquirer Centrral Luzon)
Franco Emman von Cena (Inquirer)
Jani Arnaiz (President, Associated Media of Southern Leyte, Maasin City)
Ramon Tulfo (Inquirer/Bandera)
Erwin Tulfo (People’s Journal/DZAR)
Manny Marinay (Bulletin Today)
Ma. Antonieta Lopez (Philippine Star)
Gilbert Bayoran (Daily Star, Bacolod)
Carla Canet (Negros Daily Bulletin)
Annie Calderon (Media Advocates for Reproductive Health)
Rolly Fernandez (Bureau Chief, Inquirer Northern Luzon)
Amadis Ma. Guerrero
Luis V. Teodoro (Professor of Journalism, UP/columnist, Business Mirror)
Oscar Evangelista (Palawan Community Media Council)
Ben Serrano (Philippine Star/Caraga Times)
Walter I. Balane (MindaNews)
Perfecto Caparas
Mela Castillo (Antonio Zumel Center for Press Freedom)
Edgar Crisostomo Cadano (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Justin V. Nicolas (Adviser, PUP Sociological Review)
Jeremiah M. Opiniano (OFW Journalism Consortium, Inc.)
May Rodriguez (NUJP)
Joel Saracho (ABS-CBN-News.com)
Angelo Gutierez (ABS-CBN-News.com)
Trina Lagura (ABS-CBN-News.com)
Aleta Nieva (ABS-CBN-News.com)


From Abroad:
Christopher Warren (Chairperson, International Federation of Journalists)
Aidan White (General Secretary, IFJ)
Jacqueline Park (IFJ)
Emma Walters (IFJ)
Pi James (IFJ)
Laxmi Murthy (IFJ)
Mike Dobbie (IFJ)
Roby Alampay (Executive Director, Southeast Asian Press Alliance)
Ashok Malik (Chandigarh Journalists Association, India)
Sonia Randhawa (Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia)
H.Naranjargal (Globe International)
D.Munkhburen (Globe International)
G.Narangarav (Globe International)
T. Davaahuu (Globe International)
D.Enkhtuul (Globe International)
J.Enkhjargal(Globe International)
Ch.Munkhzul (NTV)
B.Galaarid (indivudual)
Byanbajal (Confederation of Mongolian Journalists)
Sarangerel (CMJ)
Gerard Noonan (The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia)
Jim NOlan (Barrister, Australia )
Alan Kennedy (President, Media Alliance, Australia )
Ruth Polland (President, Media Alliance NSW Branch , Australia)
Wesley Chua (Ming Pao Daily, Toronto, Canada )
Yuko Takei (freelance journalist, Tokyo)
Jojo Pasion Malig (Committee of Concerned Journalists, Washington D.C./Newslink Services Philippines)
Yoshi Okuda (freelance journalist/former president of Japan broadcasting labor Union)
Ati Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post / Alliance of Independent Journalists)
Darma Lubis (Freelance journalist, Medan City, North Sumatra)
Brent Edwards (Chairman, The Print and Media Council of the NZ Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union)
Dr. N.K.Trikha (President, National Union of Journalists or NUJI)
P. Chaudhuri (Secretary General, NUJI)
Heru Hendratmoko (President, Alliance of Independent Journalists, Indonesia)
Abdul Manan (General Secretary, the Alliance of Independent Journalists, Indonesia)
Khairuzzaman Kamal (Editor, Human Rights News of Bangladesh)
Dharmasiri Lankapeli (Federation Of Media Employee's Trade Unions)
Daniel Coronell (Semana Magazine, Columbia)
Serenade Lai Wan Woo (President, Hong Kong Journalists Association)
Tien Hsi Ju (President, Association of Taiwan Journalists)
Liu Kuei Lan (Secretary General, Association of Taiwan Journalists)
Carol Chou (Journalist, Liberty Times, Taiwan)
Esong Chiu (Editor, Weekly Department, Taiwan)
Ho Jung Shin (Senior journalist, China Times,Taiwan)

(as of October 2, 2006)