TRO vs Imbestigador a clear case of prior restraint - NUJP

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Sunday said the issuance of a temporary restraining order against the showing of an episode of GMA 7's Imbestigador is a “clear case of prior restraint." “The NUJP believes this is a clear case of prior restraint, which is patently unconstitutional since it infringes on press freedom and freedom of expression," Jose Torres Jr, NUJP chairman, said in a statement. The TRO was issued by a Lanao del Norte court on a motion filed by the Dimaporo clan, one of the families featured in the show that tackles political dynasties. “We do not dispute the Dimaporo family's right to seek redress if they feel the episode is unfair to them. But we assert that any redress they seek should be after the fact and should not involve the airing of an episode that very clearly touches on an issue of public interest," the NUJP statement said. Imbestigador host Mike Enriquez' said the show tried to get the Dimaporos' side on the issue -- as journalistic ethics and the spirit of fair play demand -- but Dimaporo family members declined to be interviewed. “Knowing Mr. Enriquez' long record as a respected and popular broadcaster, we see no reason to doubt his assertion," Torres said. He added: “We know too well that this is a ploy often resorted to by public officials who wish to evade controversy. It should not be used as an excuse to cry foul over unfair reportage or to prevent the airing or publication of a potentially damaging report." The NUJP called on the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court “to act quickly and put an end to this patently unconstitutional act of prior restraint." A Lanao del Norte regional trial court issued a temporary restraining order on Saturday, a non-working day, directing GMA-7’s Imbestigador program to cancel the broadcast of its special report on political dynasties. Imbestigador’s episode on political dynasties, which was supposed to be aired late Saturday night, tackles poverty in provinces run by powerful political clans. The report in part focuses on the province of Lanao del Norte, which has been governed for decades by the Dimaporo family. On Saturday afternoon, GMA Network received the TRO from the Regional Trial Court of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. “Very clearly said program if aired on May 12, 2007 will only cause irreparable damage to the good name of herein petitioner considering that said segment of the program did not even try to get the side of the petitioner," the TRO said. Program host Mike Enriquez disputed the claim. Enriquez vowed to press on with efforts to get the side of the Dimaporos. He averred that the Imbestigador staff had worked so hard on the special report, but that because of the court TRO, the team was left with no recourse but to replay an earlier episode. Launched in 2000, Imbestigador, has consistently earned awards for its special reports, including the Golden Dove Awards, Catholic Mass Media Awards, and the Thomasian public service awards. Imelda "Angging" Dimaporo is the outgoing governor, who is now a candidate for congresswoman in the first district of Lanao del Norte. Her son Khalid is running for governor, in an effort to continue the family's unbroken rule in the capitol. Abdullah Dimaporo, Imelda's husband, is finishing his third term as a congressman of Lanao del Norte's second district. Abdullah is the son of pre-EDSA era political kingpin Muhammad Ali Dimaporo. - GMANews.TV