PNP backs journalists opposing Right of Reply Bill

MANILA, Philippines - Journalists opposing the passage of the Right of Reply Bill at the House of Representatives on Thursday found an ally in the Philippine National Police (PNP). In a radio report, Director German Doria of the police community relations was quoted as saying that the PNP is “contented" with the current setup of reporting in the Philippines. Doria said he thinks that journalists in general are responsible in the gathering and dissemination of news to readers, knowing which stories are worth publishing and which are not. The police official admitted that there are some reporters who tend to be unfair, but said these exceptions should be dealt with not by threatening them with yet another legislation but rather by reminding them of their ethical responsibility as members of the Fourth Estate. This was a sentiment echoed by Quezon City Rep. Lorenzo “Erin" Tañada, who said journalists should be reminded to strictly observe the Journalist’s Code of Ethics. Journalists raised anew their concerns regarding possible violations of the freedom of the press if ever the bill is approved into law. Saying that the RORB’s provisions are vague, a number of media groups said it could be open to abuse, especially of candidates planning to run in the 2010 elections. GMA Network Inc.’s vice president for news programs Jessica Soho in a recent press conference said media do not need to be dictated upon on what to report, adding that the RORB’s passage could mean a scenario “worse than the martial law era." In an official statement, GMA said that the measure was an affront to press freedom. “This freedom would be curtailed by a law enabling virtually anyone to make demands on airtime and newspaper space under the guise of their right to reply," the network said. The RORB – which was passed in the Senate last year and remain pending at the House of Representatives – has a sunset clause of seven years, meaning the measure, once passed a law, will expire after that period. The controversial bill was allegedly drawn up to secure individuals portrayed negatively in media a sure spot to reply in print or broadcast media. The measure requires media organizations to publish or air the reply within one or three days (depending on the respective versions of the House and the Senate) after the report first came out. Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella – the House version’s principal author – has already filed amendments to the controversial bill, which centered on provisions on editorial discretion, penalties, and implementation. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV