Andanar to PNA: Explain posting article calling tribunal win ‘ill-founded award’

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday asked the Philippine News Agency to explain why it re-posted a Chinese news article describing the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling in favor of the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute an "ill-founded award."

"We have already sent a memo to PNA to explain in writing why they should not be held liable for any administrative charges. We will take appropriate action against liable PNA officials and/or staff, if they are found to commit negligence in carrying out their duties and responsibilities," Andanar said in a statement.

Xinhua News Agency's commentary, "Time to turn a new leaf on South China Sea issue," discussed ASEAN and China's endorsement of the framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

"More than one year after an ill-founded award at a South China Sea arbitration unilaterally delivered by an ad hoc tribunal in The Hague, the situation in the South China Sea has stabilized and improved thanks to the wisdom and sincerity of China and the parties concerned," it said.

PNA posted the article on its site on Sunday at 10:48 a.m. It was taken down around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Andanar explained that PNA can re-post articles from Xinhua because both news agencies have a partnership.

However, he said, it should be expected that Xinhua's views on the South China Sea would reflect China's stand on the maritime dispute.

"Thus, all reposts from Xinhua, and all other partner news agencies for that matter, should undergo scrutiny and must be subject to discernment by PNA prior to reposting them," he said.

Xinhua was referring to the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on July 12, 2016 that favored the Philippines over China in the maritime dispute and invalidated Beijing's nine-dash claim virtually all over South China Sea.

In May, the PNA posted an erroneous news item stating that the Philippines was commended for its improved human rights situation by 95 out of 105 nations at the United Nations' Human Right Council during its universal periodic review.

In fact, more than 40 countries expressed alarm over the rise in extrajudicial killings in the country.

Again in May, the state news agency posted an article on the Marawi City conflict using a photo from the Vietnam war.   — BM, GMA News