Biz reporters slam Lopez for berating journalist

The members of an organization of business reporters said they are "deeply saddened and dismayed" at Environment Secretary Gina Lopez for her rude treatment of a news reporter.

"While we know her cause is noble and understand her frustrations, especially after twice being bypassed by the Commission on Appointments, Ms. Lopez should be more circumspect in her behavior and more controlled in explaining the policy of her agency," the Economic Journalists' Association of the Philippines (EJAP) said.

"As journalists, it is our duty to ask the hard questions, those that others are afraid or have no opportunity to ask. It will be a great disservice to our readers and audience if we will not present all sides of the news. We are news reporters, not crusaders," they added.

The group was referring to Lopez's profanity-laced tirade against Janina Lim of BusinessWorld.

Lim, who was with Manila Times reporter James Galvez, was asking for a clarification of the official's directive for suspended mining firms to set up a P2-million trust fund and for her reaction on the move taken by affected miners.

"You know, you're just a f—ing employee, why don't you have a heart for the poor?" Lopez said, which was recorded and posted on InterAksyon.

In a statement issued to GMA News Online, Lopez explained that she met the reporter in a stairway and was rushing to get to an appointment.

"It didn't help that I already don't like her because she has been on my beat for several months. And has consistently portrayed an insensitivity and lack of compassion for issues I hold dear. She is a fresh graduate from school and it was just she and me - and she taped it!" she added.

EJAP noted that members had similar encounters in the past but the scribes took them in stride.

They, however, noted that "Lopez comes from a family that helped champion a free press, a cornerstone of every true democracy like the Philippines."

The EJAP underscored that the incident was a lost opportunity for Lopez.

"By losing her cool, Ms. Lopez lost a chance to properly explain a well-meaning policy she surely helped craft and instead focused the discussion on how unprepared she is to become a true public servant," the group said. — BAP, GMA News