International Women’s Day 2026: Truth-Tellers Under Fire
Today, as the world celebrates the triumphs of women, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Philippines stands in firm solidarity with those who use their voices to challenge power, even as that power attempts to silence them. For women in the Philippines and across the globe, the “press freedom” we exercise is often met with a heavy price: judicial harassment, misogynistic vitriol, and state-sponsored intimidation.
Our celebration is not a mere formality; it is an act of defiance.
We carry a heavy heart today for our colleague, Frenchie Mae Cumpio and her continuing detention following the local court’s denial of her petition for bail. Frenchie Mae represents the courage of community journalists who dare to report from the fringes. Her continued incarceration is a glaring reminder that for many women truth-tellers, the “justice system” is being weaponized as a cage.
We also assail the harassment of Regine Cabato and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). Reporting on the West Philippine Sea is a matter of national sovereignty and public interest. To target a woman journalist for bringing clarity to complex geopolitical conflicts is a cowardly attempt to chill investigative fervor. We will not be intimidated into looking away.
IAWRT Philippines believes that weaponizing a woman’s identity to discredit her work remains the “go-to” tactic for those who are unable to present a valid, much less superior idea on legitimate issues.
We stand with Anne Curtis, who recently found herself the target of a lawmaker’s misogynistic statement. No woman, regardless of her profession or platform, should have her dignity debated on the floor of government.
We denounce the vile, sexist remarks made by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio against Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago. Such rhetoric is a desperate attempt to trivialize the leadership of women in the political sphere and has no place in a civilized society.
Within and beyond our borders, our hearts go out to the countless women and children in war-stricken areas as they bear the disproportionate weight of conflict, losing their homes and their safety.
The recent escalations in state-sanctioned violence and the reported military strikes ordered by the Trump administration have left countless women and children in conflict zones caught in the crossfire of geopolitical aggression.
This disregard for life and dignity is mirrored by the slow-moving wheel of justice on the Jeffrey Epstein case, where Trump’s name was frequently mentioned. Despite the recent release of millions of pages of documents, true accountability remains elusive for the powerful enablers of his criminal enterprise. We stand with the survivors who continue to fight for their voices to be heard, even as the system fails to prosecute those shielded by power, wealth and influence.
We recognize that there is no true liberation for women until there is peace and justice for all.
IAWRT Philippines vows continue to write, to broadcast, and to speak. We will not let the noise of hate drown out the signal of truth.
Free Frenchie Mae Cumpio!
Defend Press Freedom!
Reference:
Executive Board
International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Philippines
