SEN. Rodante Marcoleta has apologized for describing some members of the media as paid hacks, a remark that drew a strong backlash from journalist groups and press freedom advocates.
Marcoleta said he did not intend to malign the entire media community and expressed regret over the statement.
“I did not mean it,” he said.
Members of the Senate press corps said Marcoleta’s claim undermines the work and credibility of journalists covering government institutions.
Press groups also criticized the senator for the sweeping accusation and his failure to support it with evidence.
Media organizations have consistently maintained that criticism of news reports is part of a healthy democracy, and cautioned against broad labels that could place journalists at risk or cast doubt on legitimate reporting.
Marcoleta’s apology came amid growing calls from journalists for public officials to engage constructively with the press and to distinguish between criticism of specific reports and allegations directed at the media as a whole.
The senator said he respects the role of the media and did not intend to offend journalists who perform their duties professionally.
The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) said in a statement on Friday the “unfounded allegations do not uphold the standards of fairness, accountability and responsibility expected of public officials.”
“Criticism of the media is legitimate when supported by facts, but broad attacks that undermine the credibility of journalists as a whole only weaken public trust in institutions and informed public discourse,” Focap said.
“Rather than tarnish the media through unsubstantiated claims, public officials who profess a commitment to truth should support the work of journalists in verifying facts, uncovering the truth and helping the public make sense of events that shape our society,” it added.
The Filipino Freelance Journalists’ Guild also called out Marcoleta, saying that he smeared the entire profession of journalism.
“We, Filipino freelance journalists, stand in solidarity with the Senate Media and our fellow media workers across the nation. When journalists are vilified for their work, freelancers most often take the worst of it. No newsroom, no legal team, and in many instances, no editor to call when the threats start. Nonetheless, freelance journalists work ethically in reporting the truth with accuracy and objectivity,” the group said in a statement on Friday.
“The media does not, and should not, work for senators or any political interest. It works for the public, from whom the media gets protection. Calling reporters partisan only buries the real story: the corruption, incompetence and failed leadership that these hearings are meant to expose,” the group said.
It said it is not convinced by Marcoleta’s apology, saying that he did not mean to say the remarks.
“If Marcoleta has no proof for his accusations, he should stop making blanket accusations and apologize properly. His ‘I didn’t mean it’ was not an apology but a sore attempt to save face,” the group said.
On Thursday, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines, condemned Marcoleta’s statements.
“Marcoleta’s tirades are clear attempts to undermine the public’s trust in the media amid the coverage of intensifying rift between two political camps. Journalists ferret out the truth and convey it to the public. This includes asking questions to whoever needs to be held accountable. Our colleagues in the Senate have been doing exactly what they ought to do,” the NUJP said.
“Portraying the media as partisan only means to distract the public from real issues that should be put into light. Allegations of corruption hurled against either side must be investigated fully. Journalism’s loyalty is to the people, not to any partisan group with vested interests,” they added.
