Media groups vow stiff defense against RORB

MANILA, Philippines - After failing to come to terms with lawmakers, media groups vowed Wednesday to stage a “man-to-man" defense against the passage of the Right of Reply Bill in Congress. National Press Club president Benny Antiporda said they will not allow the passage of the RORB, which he likened to a “beautiful woman with AIDS." “Parang last two minutes na tayo, kailangan man-to-man na ang bantay natin [We are in the homestretch of Congress’ sessions. We need to mount a man-to-man defense]," he said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said the bill is like a “beautiful woman" because of its “beautiful title" and because of its promise to ensure the right of parties to reply to negative stories. But the "woman" has “AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)" because of its threat to fine or even jail journalists who “violate" the measure. “Ang title napakaganda pero nilalaman nito ay provision na naglalaman sa malayang pagpapahayag [The title is beautiful but the provisions threaten press freedom]," he said. In the meantime, he said, the NPC is doing its part to ensure fairness in press freedom by getting rid of “hao shao" or fake journalists. In an interview on dzXL radio, Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez Jr. said Malacañang will still wait for the final form of the RORB before President Arroyo decides to veto it or not. - GMANews.TV