CMFR to Cease Operations After 37 Years Due to Funding Issues

MANILA, Philippines — The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), a monitor of the state of the Philippine press in the last 37 years, announced on Friday that it is winding down operations due to funding issues. CMFR said that while it weathered different political environments and challenges since its founding as a nonstock, non-profit organization, it has become difficult to secure sustained funding for its continued operations. CMFR has been instrumental in monitoring the state of press freedom in the Philippines, advocating for the rights of journalists, promoting media literacy, and underscoring the vital role of media in a democratic society. Its closure is expected to amplify concerns regarding the current state of free expression in the country. In recent years, the Philippines has grappled with issues such as pressure on journalists and attacks against media outlets critical of the government, making the presence of independent monitoring bodies like CMFR all the more significant. The winding down of CMFR’s operations may also serve as a reflection of the delicate nature of the Philippine media environment. The cessation of an organization that independently scrutinizes and champions the media, irrespective of governmental or external pressures, is likely to pose a detrimental effect on press freedom in the future. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo