Palace assures columnists of continued freedom amid 'engagement'

Amid plans to “engage" them and bring them into its information loop, Malacañang reassured columnists and broadcasters Thursday it will not interfere with their work. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) head Herminio Coloma Jr. said his office’s objective is to make all sectors aware of the Aquino administration’s “achievements." “Tungkulin ng media ilahad ang malayang opinion sa malayang paraan (We recognize media’s duty to air free opinions freely)," Coloma said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said all they want to do is bring the government’s programs to the attention of columnists and commentators, especially those critical of the administration. Besides, he said the PCOO’s job is to disseminate information about the government and its programs. “Walang paninisi rito at hindi kami nakikipaggalit sa kahit anong sector (We are not blaming anyone in media or mad at any one sector)," he said. On Wednesday, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said there is a need to bring newspaper columnists into an information loop so they will be aware of updates on the administration. Lacierda said that while there is no problem with the news itself, some columnists criticize the administration because they “have their own jaded view of certain events." On the other hand, Coloma belied anew speculations of a conflict among the three components of the Palace’s Communications Group. “Sa actual operation wala namang nakikitang conflict. Kanya-kanya ang aming tungkulin, malinaw ang delineation ng aming duties (In actual operations we do not have any conflict. Each has its own functions. The delineation of duties is clear)," he said. He said Lacierda and his deputy Abigail Valte are in the “frontline" while he and Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang have their own specific assignments. — LBG, GMA News