Sen. Bam Aquino calls for stiffer penalties for crimes vs. journalists

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Won’t other professions demand the same?

“Earlier this week, Senator Bam Aquino said he will push for legislation that will increase penalties for crimes committed against journalists,” reports Hannah L. Torregoza in Manila Bulletin.

Aquino made this assurance as he condemned the killing of Abante reporter Nerlita Ledesma in Bataan.

The report noted: “Ledesma was gunned down by a riding-in-tandem in Bataan. Authorities have arrested a suspect and are currently determining the motive behind Ledesma’s killing.”

Aquino said his office “is exploring pushing for legislation that will increase penalties for violent crime against media practitioners.”

“Journalists will continue to suffer if we will not show resolve in putting an end to this impunity immediately,” Aquino said in a statement.

Aquino, as the report indicated, likewise suggested “the creation of a special court that will hear only crimes involving reporters.” He believes this “would help expedite the resolution of the cases and the dispensation of justice for journalists.”

Photo: Press release

 

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