Republic of the PhilippinesHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TWELFTH CONGRESSSecond Regular Session

HOUSE RESOLUTION No. 851

Introduced by REP. SATUR C. OCAMPO

RESOLUTIONCOMMENDING THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES ON ITS 5OTH

YEAR AND HONORING JOURNALIST-MARTYRS AND WARRIORS WHO FOUGHT FOR PRESS FREEDOM AND THE PEOPLE’S RIGHTS

WHEREAS fifty years ago on October 22, 1952, the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) was incorporated by a diverse group of journalists as a non-stock and non-profit organization “to promote cooperation among journalists and uphold press freedom and the dignity of journalists”;

WHEREAS the formation of the NPC greatly contributed to the development of the national media profession, leading to the “golden age of Philippine journalism” from the post-World War II era to the pre-martial law period, when the press served as the people’s watchdog against government abuses and provided information, discussion and debate on national issues and public concerns;

WHEREAS with the muzzling of Philippine media after martial law was declared on September 21, 1972, the NPC produced a good number of journalist-martyrs and warriors who courageously fought for press freedom, democracy and the people’s rights;

WHEREAS due honors should be accorded such journalist-martyrs and warriors, especially those who have passed away, including four former NPC presidents – Antonio M. Zumel, Ernesto O. Granada, Antonio Nieva and Eddie B. Monteclaro – stalwarts like Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Joaquin “Chino” P. Roces, Renato Constantino, Luis Mauricio, Teodoro Locsin Sr. and Luis Beltran, and the many others who fought and died across the nation and are now in the NPC scroll of martyrs;

WHEREAS the NPC has also contributed several of its members to public service in government, including three Speakers of the House of Representatives – the late Ramon V. Mitra Jr., incumbent Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. and Feliciano Belmonte Jr. – and outstanding legislators, Cabinet members and other public officials;

WHEREAS the NPC has promoted exchange visits among the journalists of Asia and other parts of the world for observation and study and for building cooperation to improve competence in journalism and strengthen the common defense of press freedom;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the House of Representatives commend the National Press Club of the Philippines on its 50 th year and honor the journalist-martyrs and warriors who fought for press freedom, democracy and the people’s rights.

ADOPTED,

SATUR C. OCAMPOBayan Muna–Party-List