It is widely regarded as one of the pillars of Philippine journalism.
On Friday, September 18, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) delivered the news about the impending cessation of its operations after 37 years.
“CMFR regrets to announce that it is closing its operations, effective September 30, 2026. The decision ends 37 years of media development work,” the statement read.
The CMFR said that since its establishment in 1989, it has maintained its mission over “periods of widely differing political environments and the diverse challenges they presented.”
The media wachdog then disclosed the reason behind the shutdown, which is primarily financial in nature.
“Philippine and international funding support has sustained the work of CMFR; but multiple factors have affected the funding environment, making it difficult for CMFR to secure the necessary funds for its operations,” it said.
It then thanked the people who have been part of CMFR over the past three decades, including past and present staff, journalists and news organizations in the Philippines and abroad, various embassies in Manila, the schools and students, and civil society organizations.
“We are truly grateful. Please accept our best wishes,” it added.
Following the announcement, several journalists and other organizations have expressed their commiserations over the news, which is yet another blow to the shrinking and fragnented news landscape in the country.
Among them is the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, which conveyed its deep regrets over the looming closure of CMFR and respects its decision to end its operations in the face of a difficult funding environment.
The NUJP recognized the CMFR’s vital role in Philippine journalism, especially scrutinizing the work of the media even as it stood alongside journalists in defending their rights and the public’s right to know.
“Its work has helped the press hold power to account while also reminding journalists that the freedom we exercise carries with it a responsibility to the public,” the union continued.
For the NUJP, it emphasized that the loss of a watchdog that watches over the watchdogs is a “profound blow to Philippine journalism, leaving a void in an industry that needs accountability.”
“At a time when the press faces mounting pressures from various interests, the absence of CMFR’s independent voice will be deeply felt,” they continued.
While the CMFR will close, the NUJP said that its legacy will endure, while it’s loss will be felt for a long time to come.
“We hope that the spirit of CMFR’s work will live on in the journalists, news organizations and institutions it has empowered through the years,” the National Directorate of the NUJP concluded its statement.
According to its website, the CMFR said it was organized in 1989 as a private, non-stock, non-profit organization involving the different sectors of society in the task of “building up the press and news media as a pillar of democratic society,” with programs that uphold press freedom, promote responsible journalism, and encourage journalistic excellence.
