The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), a media watchdog that seeks to uphold journalism standards, announced that it would be ceasing its operations effective September 30, 2026 after 37 years of operations.
The CMFR cited funding issues in its decision to stop operating.
“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.
The group was established in 1989 to uphold press freedom, promote responsible journalism, and encourage journalistic excellence.
It sought to strengthen the news media as an autonomous pillar of democratic society.
Its activities included establishing a framework of responsibility and ethics in the practice of journalism; raising levels of competence for coverage of special areas of news; and promoting media literacy and ensuring that the public is more aware of its needs for information.
The CMFR thanked all those who supported it in its endeavors.
“CMFR would like to thank all who have been part of the journey – our past and present staff, the community of journalists and news organizations in the Philippines and abroad, various embassies in Manila, the schools and students, and civil society organizations – who appreciated and understood the value of our work and supported our efforts. We are truly grateful. Please accept our best wishes,” it said.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines lamented the CMFR’s impending closure, saying it is a loss for the media industry.
“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,” the NUJP said.
It recognized the CMFR’s important role in defending journalists and the people’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,” it said.
It thanked the CMFR’s staff and leadership for their service and said the group’s legacy will endure in the journalists, news organizations and institutions it has empowered in its nearly four decades of operation.