Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7165)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 1477 is to amend Section One of Republic Act No. 53, providing that 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 news or information that was obtained in confidence, except where the security of the State demands such revelation.
The law protects the publisher, editor, columnist, or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine, or periodical of general circulation from being compelled to reveal their confidential sources.
No, the immunity is not absolute. The law states that without prejudice to the liability under civil and criminal laws, the protected persons cannot be compelled to reveal sources unless ordered by a court or a House or committee of Congress when the revelation is demanded by the security of the State.
The limitation is that the publisher, editor, columnist, or reporter can be compelled to reveal the source if the court or a House or committee of Congress finds the revelation necessary for the security of the State.
The law covers newspapers, magazines, and periodicals of general circulation.
Yes, the law explicitly states that the protection from revealing sources is without prejudice to liability under civil and criminal laws.
A 'duly accredited reporter' is a reporter who has official accreditation or recognition, which qualifies them to enjoy the protection under this law when it comes to not revealing their confidential sources.
Only a court or a House or committee of Congress has the authority to compel the disclosure if it determines that the revelation is demanded by the security of the State.
Republic Act No. 1477 took effect upon its approval on June 15, 1956.
This law is an amendment to Section One of Republic Act No. 53.