Bulatlat Wins Landmark Case Against Philippine Government Censorship​

In a significant legal victory for press freedom and free speech, Bulatlat, an independent news organization committed to human rights journalism, has emerged victorious in its battle against government censorship. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 104 recently ruled in favor of Bulatlat, voiding a controversial memorandum issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that had blocked access to 27 websites, including the news outlet’s own.

The ruling, issued on November 18, 2025, marks a crucial turning point in the ongoing fight against censorship in the Philippines, especially in the context of government efforts to curtail dissent and suppress critical reporting. The court declared that the NTC’s memorandum amounted to “content-based prior restraint,” an unconstitutional form of censorship that violates the country’s constitutional guarantees of free speech and expression.

A Landmark Legal Ruling

The court’s decision is clear in its condemnation of the NTC’s actions. It stated, “[T]he NTC has no legal basis to issue the assailed Memorandum and its issuance constitutes an unconstitutional prior restraint in the form of a content-based restriction which violates the constitutional guarantees of free speech and expression.” The ruling further emphasized that by blocking the websites in question, the NTC effectively imposed censorship before any judicial determination of the alleged content’s legality could take place.

This landmark ruling represents a significant blow to the government’s increasing use of the “anti-terrorism” narrative to justify restrictions on free speech and independent media. It reaffirms the idea that any attempt to restrict access to information must go through proper legal channels and judicial scrutiny, ensuring that such actions are not driven by political motives or ideological bias.

A Win for Press Freedom and Free Expression

Bulatlat, which has been at the forefront of exposing human rights violations and government abuses, celebrated the decision as a monumental victory for press freedom. In a statement issued following the court’s ruling, Bulatlat hailed the decision as a major blow against state-sponsored censorship.

“The local court’s decision unblocks all the 27 websites, making this a victory against state censorship, and against the use of ‘anti-terrorism’ rhetoric to justify the violation of free speech and expression,” the statement read.

The 27 websites that had been blocked by the NTC included independent news organizations, human rights groups, and civil society organizations. This coordinated effort to censor and silence critical voices in the Philippines had raised alarm among international human rights organizations, journalists, and media advocacy groups, who decried it as an affront to the democratic principles of free speech and an open press.

The Fight Against Censorship Continues

While Bulatlat’s victory in this case is a significant step forward, the organization remains vigilant against further attempts to stifle press freedom. Bulatlat acknowledged that the fight is far from over, recognizing that the government could continue to pursue new tactics to undermine free expression.

“We are maintaining our vigilance against all forms of attacks,” the statement continued. “While this is a victory, we recognize that the fight does not end here.” The news organization vowed to continue its advocacy for press freedom and human rights, standing firm against efforts to curb independent journalism and the free flow of information.

A Call for Solidarity

As part of its ongoing commitment to defending press freedom, Bulatlat is inviting supporters, media groups, and human rights advocates to join in expressing solidarity. The organization is encouraging people to issue solidarity statements, which will be featured on Bulatlat’s website and social media platforms.

“We thank you for your support to our newsroom,” Bulatlat stated, emphasizing that the strength of the resistance to censorship lies in the collective efforts of all those who stand up for free speech.

A Victory for Democracy

This court ruling underscores the importance of a free and independent press in upholding democracy. It sends a strong message that censorship and political repression will not go unchecked. In the face of mounting efforts to silence critical voices, Bulatlat’s win offers a hopeful reminder that the rule of law and the protection of fundamental freedoms are essential to ensuring a thriving democracy.

In the wake of this victory, Bulatlat remains steadfast in its commitment to truth-telling and the pursuit of justice, undeterred by government attempts to stifle its voice. The organization continues to stand for the values of press freedom, free expression, and human rights, values that are more crucial than ever in a world where democratic freedoms are increasingly under threat.

Read the full court decision and Bulatlat’s statement, as well as the timeline of their fight against censorship, attached.