Controversial Right of Reply bill re-filed in House

The bill seeking to penalize journalists — including newspaper publishers, broadcast directors and media owners — who will not allot airtime or newspaper space to aggrieved parties in their news reports has been re-filed in the House of Representatives. The Right of Reply bill, which was shelved last year, became controversial during the 14th Congress after various media organizations opposed it as it would supposedly impair press freedom and dictate to the media what to say. But according to Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo, author of House Bill No. 117, the bill neither curtails nor tramples the freedom of expression but merely urges journalists to be fair and transparent at all time. “In the exercise of [freedom of expression], a corresponding responsibility also rests to allow the affected person or entity to respond to any allegations, innuendos, mortification or false statements of people from the media. This is premised on the spirit of fair play and transparency," Romualdo said in the explanatory note. Romualdo was the one who blocked the passage of the Freedom of Information bill in the 14th Congress by questioning the quorum when the House of Representatives moved to approve the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed measure. The bill sought to give the public easy access to information, including documents, from government agencies. Equal opportunity In filing HB No. 117, Romualdo said equal opportunity shall be given to persons affected by the actions, statements, rumors or other mischievous statements of the media. “The right of reply bill is a vehicle for all people from all walks of life to defend their rights, reputation, honor and integrity against any attack by the media," he said. Romualdo further said he is supporting the discourse of issues which at times may result to clashing of opinions as long as they are done in a respectful and cordial manner. “Media should also exercise caution and practice responsible journalism in all aspects whether in print media, broadcast media or by electronic format. It should not result to brawling or to unfairly criticize the position or opinion of any person," he said. Unedited reply Under the bill, the reply of the person criticized shall be published three days after it has been received in the same space of the newspaper, magazine, newsletter or publication or aired over the same program in radio, television, website or any electronic device concerned, free of charges. The reply shall not be edited or altered and shall be presented on the manner it was written by the person unless it is with a libelous content or allegations. The editor-in-chief, publisher or station manager, owner of the broadcast medium, internet provider or administrator who will fail or refuse to publish or broadcast the reply shall be fined not exceeding P20,000 for first offense; P30,000 for second offense; and P50,000 for the third offense. Repeated failure or refusal shall be penalized with a fine of P100,000 and if the offender is a public official, he shall be subjected to administrative liability. The court may also recommend that proper sanctions be imposed by any appropriate media organization on erring journalists. – KBK, GMANews.TV