The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Baguio-Benguet called the guidelines released by the City Tourism Office "censorship" where expressing political expression are banned at the Session Road Pedestrianization, in a statement released on May 11.

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Included in the said guidelines, effective last May 7, is the prohibition of graphic expression of political view, as stated, “Expression of political views and portrayals that negatively question or express opinions about social and political issues are not allowed. Graphic or literal suggestions and expressions of subversive acts or movements will not be tolerated.” 

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In addition, rules also specified that “images promoting corporate brands or institutions, and political affiliations are not allowed, unless such are associated with thematic showcases as permitted.” 

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NUJP Baguio-Benguet reminded the city officials of the Constitution that “ensures the right to hold opinions and ideas and share them without the State interfering.”

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“The policy, restricting political views, infringes on these rights, considered the heart of all freedoms. It is censorship, plain and simple,” said NUJP Baguio-Benguet. 

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“We call on the City Government of Baguio and the City Tourism Office to abide by the Philippine Constitution and allow freedom of expression to guide their regulation. We demand that Creative Baguio become a haven for art, culture, and heritage tempered by the balance a democratic nation offers,” the group added. 

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The new guidelines seek to regulate busking, chalk art, and arts and crafts when the Session Road Pedestrianization was suspended after the Panagbenga Festival.

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The City Tourism Office which manages the closure of the Session Road every Sunday, proposed the guidelines which were adopted by the city executives during the management committee meeting on April 25, 2023.

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According to the City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo, the Session Road Pedestrianization every Sunday aims to achieve three advantages of pedestrianization that can also be seen in the initiatives of different cities around the world supporting the global objectives of sustainable development – environmental, economic, and social.

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“Pedestrianization aims to substantially reduce air and noise pollution in the area. Even for at least once a week, when there is no vehicular traffic, gas emissions and vehicle noise on Session Road will be nil or at minimum, providing breathing space not only for humans but also for the flora and fauna in the vicinity,” Mapalo explained.

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— Liane Bachini