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Journalists tag right-of-reply bill 'act of terrorism' vs media


MANILA, Philippines – Journalists on Tuesday slammed as “an act of terrorism" the bill granting a right for redress to persons negatively portrayed by media. In a press conference attended by members of major print and broadcast media organizations, BusinessWorld editorial board chairman Vergel Santos said that the “right of reply bill" would be violative of the media’s rights enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. “Part of the violation of the Constitution is that it is an act of terrorism against media," Santos said. GMA Network Inc.’s vice president for news programs Jessica Soho agreed with Santos and said that instead of setting further restrictions to the media, the public and the government should help strengthen the press because it is one of the things “that remain constant in Philippine society." “Hindi ito tama. Sobra ito [This is not right. It’s too much]," Soho said. Those who participated in the press conference include representatives of GMA, BusinessWorld, ABS-CBN, the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), BusinessWorld, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), the National Union of Journalists (NUJP), and the Philippine Press Institute (PPI). The organizations denounced the “right of reply bill" and vowed to block its passage in Congress. “Once again, press freedom is under siege from political forces insidiously trying to further their personal agenda, this time through legislature," said NUJP vice chairperson Nonoy Espina. The Senate passed the bill in July 2008, while its version at the House of Representative remains pending. “This is an attack on press freedom…Maraming vague provisions na hindi clear ang elements ng crime. (Hindi) ino-observe ang basic fairness principle na sana alam man lang ng tao ang (crime) na na-commit niya," said National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers secretary general Neri Javier Colmenares. [This is an attack on press freedom. There are many vague provisions that do not clearly state the elements that constitute a crime. It does not observe the basic fairness principle where people are aware of the crime that is being committed.] The Senate (SB 2150) and the House’s (HB 3306) versions of the “access to media" proposals were born out of an attempt to ease the tension triggered by the “clash" between the freedom of speech and the right to protect one’s reputation. According to both bills, all persons accused of a crime or criticized for any lapse in behavior shall be given the right to reply. Their reply needs to be published in the respective medium where the accusation was published or aired. The Senate directs the media outfit to publish or air the reply within three days, while the House gives a shorter one-day deadline. - Mark Merueñas with Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV
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