The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered internet service providers to block several websites, including those of independent media, 鈥渇ound to be affiliated to and are supporting terrorist and terrorist organizations.鈥�
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Groups affected by the order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to block websites, including those of independent media, that are 鈥渁ffiliated to and are supporting terrorist and terrorist organizations鈥� have legal remedies available to them, Malaca帽ang said Wednesday.
Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said the NTC order was based on the National Security Council (NSC) request, which only performs its mandate.
鈥淭he recent move of the NTC to block certain websites is upon the request of the National Security Council in performance of its mandate,鈥� he said in a statement.
鈥淟egal remedies are available to any party, including online media outfit Bulatlat, affected by its action,鈥� Andanar added.
Among the websites, NSC requests to be blocked are the website of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.
The list also includes websites of progressive groups and independent media such as Bulatlat.
Several groups and alternative media organizations have condemned the order, saying the move 鈥渟ets a dangerous precedent for independent journalism in the Philippines.鈥�
Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr. called the move a 鈥渂latant attack on free speech.鈥�