QC court junks NTC order blocking 27 websites

A Quezon City court has nullified a 2022 National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) memorandum that directed internet service providers to block access to 27 websites, including those of alternative media organizations Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly.

The ruling by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 104 found that the NTC lacked the legal authority to issue such a memorandum, which was requested by former national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

The court stated that the NTC's order constituted an unconstitutional prior restraint and a content-based restriction, violating the constitutional guarantees of free speech, expression, and the press.

The media organizations denied allegations that their websites were affiliated with and supporting terrorist organizations.

Bulatlat hailed the decision as a victory against state censorship and the misuse of 'anti-terrorist' rhetoric to suppress free speech.