Amendment to R.A. No. 53 Re: Exemption of Publisher, Editor, Columnist or Reporter from Revealing Source of Information
Republic Act No. 1477, enacted on June 15, 1956, amends a previous law regarding the confidentiality of news sources for publishers, editors, columnists, and reporters in the Philippines. The amended provision states that these individuals cannot be compelled to disclose the source of information obtained in confidence, except when a court or Congressional body determines that such disclosure is necessary for national security. This act reinforces the protection of journalistic sources while acknowledging the potential legal obligations of the media. The law took effect upon its approval and was officially published on July 31, 1956.
Law Information
- Reference Number
- Republic Act No. 1477
- Date Enacted
- Category
- Statutes
- Subcategory
- Republic Acts
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
June 15, 1956
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1477
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION ONE OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FIFTY-THREE, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO EXEMPT THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR, COLUMNIST OR REPORTER OF ANY PUBLICATION FROM REVEALING THE SOURCE OF PUBLISHED NEWS OR INFORMATION OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE"
SECTION 1. Section one of Republic Act Numbered Fifty-three is amended to read as follows: cd
"Sec. 1. Without prejudice to his liability under the civil and criminal laws, the publisher, editor, columnist or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news-report or information appearing in said publication which was related in confidence to such publisher, editor or reporter unless the court or a House or committee of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the security of the State."
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: June 15, 1956
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 52, No. 8, p. 3887 on July 31, 1956
Cite This Law
Amendment to R.A. No. 53 Re: Exemption of Publisher, Editor, Columnist or Reporter from Revealing Source of Information, Republic Act No. 1477, Jun 15, 1956 (Philippines)
Amendment to R.A. No. 53 Re: Exemption of Publisher, Editor, Columnist or Reporter from Revealing Source of Information, Republic Act No. 1477 (Phil. 1956)
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