Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1784)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1784 is to abolish the councils for the print and broadcast media created under Letter of Instructions No. 587 in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 576, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1776.
Presidential Decree No. 1784 repealed Presidential Decree No. 576 dated November 9, 1974, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1776.
They were created under Letter of Instructions No. 587 in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 576.
Presidential Decree No. 1784 took effect immediately upon its signing on January 5, 1981.
The decree states that the print and broadcast media may establish other self-regulatory bodies in such form and with such rules and regulations as they see fit, given their demonstrated regard for excellence and a high sense of responsibility.
The councils had already raised the level of responsibility, respect for law, and competence for self-regulation in the mass media, allowing the media sectors to regulate themselves without government supervision.
Juan C. Tuvera, Presidential Executive Assistant, signed the decree by the President.
It indicates that government supervision of the media was terminated because the media sectors proved capable of self-regulation and responsible conduct.
No, the decree does not specify any penalties or sanctions; it mainly focuses on abolishing the existing councils and allowing the media to establish their own self-regulatory bodies.