QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 738)
It is titled “Declaring the Month of December 2004 as National Press Congress Month and the Month of Publishers, Editors, Writers, Community Journalists and Broadcasters in the Service of the Nation.” It declares December 2004 as National Press Congress Month and designates the month for media professionals’ recognition under the auspices of PAPI.
The proclamation declares the month of December 2004 as National Press Congress Month.
It also recognizes December 2004 as the Month of Publishers, Editors, Writers, Community Journalists and Broadcasters in the Service of the Nation.
The Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) is identified as spearheading the National Press Congress every December.
PAPI is described as a professional organization that promotes and defends press freedom and upholds the ideals of journalism as a public service, including in the countryside.
The proclamation states there is a need to focus attention on PAPI’s important role in upholding press freedom and the dignity of the journalism and publishing profession.
The President acted “by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,” as stated in the proclamation.
It formally declares December 2004 as National Press Congress Month and as the Month for the named media professionals, under the auspices of PAPI.
Publishers, editors, writers, community journalists, reporters, and broadcasters in the service of the nation.
It indicates that the events and recognition are carried out with the sponsorship/leadership framework of PAPI, i.e., PAPI is the organizing or lead body for the National Press Congress activities.
A proclamation generally serves as an official recognition and call for observance. Unless it contains specific regulatory or mandate provisions, it typically does not create direct individual rights or enforceable duties; its effect is largely ceremonial/administrative and supports policy goals such as press freedom.
The text indicates it appears in the Official Gazette, specifically “101 OG No. 8, 1338 (February 21, 2005).”
It expressly emphasizes press freedom and the dignity of journalism and publishing, aligning governmental recognition with constitutional values related to freedom of the press and the role of media as a public service.
It has: (1) WHEREAS clauses setting out background and rationale; (2) a NOW, THEREFORE clause containing the declaration; and (3) an execution section with signing, executive secretary attestation, and the seal/dated form.