Several media organizations have condemned Senator Rodante Marcoleta for referring to journalists and media practitioners as bayaran (paid hacks) during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged flood control scandal.
The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) said such accusations undermine public trust in legitimate journalism and contribute to an environment “where media workers may be exposed to harassment, intimidation, and threats.”
“Criticism of the press is part of democratic discourse and should always be welcomed when it is grounded in facts. However, public officials who make serious allegations against journalists have a responsibility to present evidence, not rely on broad and inflammatory claims that malign an entire profession,” the group said.
“PCP urges Sen. Marcoleta to substantiate his allegations and identify the journalists he believes have violated professional and ethical standards. If he possesses evidence of wrongdoing, he should present it before the appropriate bodies and allow due process to take its course,” it added.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) joined other journalism groups in condemning Marcoleta’s remarks.
“Marcoleta’s tirades are clear attempts to undermine the public’s trust in the media amid coverage of the intensifying rift between two political camps. Journalists ferret out the truth and convey it to the public. This includes asking questions of those who must be held accountable. Our colleagues covering the Senate have been doing exactly what they ought to do,” the union said.
“Portraying the media as partisan serves only to distract the public from the real issues that must be brought to light. Allegations of corruption leveled against either side must be fully investigated. Journalism’s loyalty is to the people, not to any partisan group with vested interests,” it added.
