Malacañang on Monday dismissed fears of authoritarianism, saying the country is not veering toward dictatorship—citing the Philippines’ improved standing in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index as proof.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the latest global ranking is a clear indicator of a healthy democratic space in the country. The Philippines climbed from 134th to 116th out of 180 countries, its highest position in 21 years, according to Reporters Without Borders.
“This is a good development,” Castro said during a briefing. “It shows that the President values freedom of expression and supports responsible journalism.”
She added that the administration’s track record counters narratives suggesting growing repression. “What we’re seeing now is proof that the country is not moving toward dictatorship. The media is free, and that freedom is being respected,” she stressed.
The World Press Freedom Index evaluates the state of journalism and media freedom worldwide, with rankings influenced by factors such as legal environment, political context, and safety of journalists.
