OPENING STATEMENT

Good afternoon, adjudicators, fellow opponents and classmates. Today’s motion is that “Should
freedom of expression have limits?” It is blatantly obvious that this motion does not stand
because it is totally indecorous to have limits on freedom of expression.

Freedom of expression advocates always emphasize that the law protects even the most
vulnerable citizens from being silenced.

Everyone has the right to express his or her opinions and ideas, as well as share information in
whatever form it may take. This is known as freedom of expression in the context of human
rights. It forbids the state and other members of society from censoring, and it can only be
restricted for every serious reasons. Your opinion is important. You have the right to express
yourself, share information, and advocate for a better world. You also have the right to agree or
disagree with those in power and to express your views peacefully. Exercising these rights
without fear or interference is essential to living in an open and fair society where people can
access justice and enjoy their human rights.

Freedom of expression gives special rights and duties to the media.

The media has special rights and duties under freedom of expression. The media informs
society about issues of public concern and provides an important forum for public debate,
scrutiny, and reflection. As a result, independent media and high-quality journalism are
regarded as the "watchdogs" of a democratic society.

Freedom of expression is said to be necessary for the pursuit of truth as well as the
advancement of individual self-realization and self-determination (Bernas, 2009.)
It is enshrined as a constitutional right in the Philippines. Article III Section 4 of the
1987 Constitution of the Philippines provides that “No law shall be passed abridging
the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably
to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.” The freedom to
express one’s belief and thoughts is the foundation of democracy and efforts to suppress
such liberty pose a significant threat to a society.

The government should be reminded of its constitutional obligation to respect, promote,

and protect the right to free expression.
Calls to repeal this draconian bill make perfect sense at a time when democracy is under
attack and human rights are under attack on a daily basis. If the government continues
to punish dissenting voices, the means of discovering the truth will crumble. With
few opportunities and platforms to share our lived experiences and truths, the prospects
for a free, well-informed, prosperous, and peaceful society look bleak.
It gives people right to raise their voice against any unfair practices which can happen
anywhere and anytime. 
This uplifts a person’s self-confidence by letting them stand for themselves against
powerful people and their hurtful practices. Limitation on freedom of expression changes
the entire point of even granting it as a right. Without free-flowing expression of words,
no one can strongly agree with a decision and think of innovative ideas.

There is no denying that having the freedom of expression is part of our human rights. Lui
Xiaobo was a Chinese writer, literary critic, human rights activist, philosopher and Nobel Peace
Prize laureate said that “Freedom of expression is the foundation of human rights, the source of
humanity, and the mother of truth.”