Republic Act No. 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

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

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.

Section 2. All provisions of law or rules of court inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.1âwphi1

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

Approved: October 5, 1946.