Cebu Rep. Antonio V. Cuenco, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, said that the President’s legal men should consider the importance of the media as a unifying force not only in improving governance but also in solidifying mass support for the government.

"Cool off and cool down. Take the steam from media and review Philippine history," he said.

According to Cuenco, an ally of the President, the legal advisers of the President have been barking up the wrong tree in protecting her government against its political enemies.

"At a time when they should be pounding hard on political adventurists and extremists in the military establishment involved in the destabilization plot against the government, their attack dogs are aimed and directed on the entire media structure especially those perceived to be critical of the Arroyo administration," he said.

Various media groups have complained of harassment by the government, saying that threats of criminal charges and closure of media establishments are clearly aimed at muzzling free press.

At the height of government’s move to quell an impending rebellion last month, police and military forces swooped down on the offices of a newspaper outfit which has been very critical of the government.

But despite this, the Arroyo government has not padlocked any media establishment.

However, Cuenco pointed out that media harassment is being experienced by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism which is being investigated by the Department of Justice for possible filing of inciting to sedition case against its members.

A radio program was also allegedly pulled off the air by its mother station.

Government has denied the accusations hurled by the PCIJ and personalities behind the radio program, saying that they have nothing to worry about as long as they practice journalism within the bounds of the law.

Without considering government’s side, Cuenco accused the Arroyo administration of instigating an "alarming development" in the media industry.

"Our history is replete with instances where control, restraint and censorship of media were employed by the powers-that-be, and all these significantly led to the collapse of the ruling regimes," he warned.

Cuenco added that Arroyo advisers should consider the recent Pulse Asia survey before making any move to pressure the press against being too critical of the government.

Mrs. Arroyo’s popularity ratings plummeted to an all-time low, reportedly as a result of her decision to declare a state of emergency in the country.