Cebu Citizens-Press Council

Republic Act 53
AN ACT TO EXEMPT THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR OR REPORTER OF ANY PUBLICATION FROM REVEALING THE SOURCE OF PUBLISHED NEWS OR INFORMATION OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE

Section 1. The publisher, editor or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news-report or information appearing in said publication which was related in confidence to such publisher, editor or reporter, unless the court or a House or committee of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the interest of the State.

Sec. 2. All provisions of law or rules of court inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: October 5, 1946

Source: Chan Robles Virtual Law Library

Republic Act 1477

AN ACT AMENDING SECTION ONE OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 53, ENTITLED “AN ACT TO EXEMPT THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR, COLUMNIST OR REPORTER OF ANY PUBLICATION FROM REVEALING THE SOURCE OF PUBLISHED NEWS OR INFORMATION OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE”

Section 1. Section one of Republic Act Numbered Fifty- three is amended to read as follows:

“Section 1. Without prejudice to his liability under the civil and criminal laws, the publisher, editor, columnist or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news-report or information appearing in said publication which was related in confidence to such publisher, editor or reporter unless the court or a House or committee of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the security of the State.”

Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 15, 1956

Source: Chan Robles Virtual Law Library