Hontiveros concerned over DOH rule on interviewing health officials

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday expressed concern after the Department of Health (DOH) required media practitioners to formally schedule interview appointments with its officials amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Nakakabahala. Bakit natin patuloy na binubulag ang taumbayan? All public servants should always be within reach of the media, lalo na ang mga opisyal ng Department of Health who are at the forefront of our fight vs. COVID-19," Hontiveros said in a message to reporters.

"The people have the right to know and that right cannot be delayed. This is a crisis with thousands of lives on the line. All our decisions must be guided by that sense of urgency," she added.

Hontiveros was among the several senators who asked for DOH Secretary Francisco Duque's resignation in April over alleged failure of leadership amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DOH recently instructed the media to course through its Media Relations Unit all requests to interview the spokesperson or any of the DOH officials.

Interview requests should be submitted at least two days before the requested date, it said in a notice to the media.

In response to Hontiveros' concern, the DOH released a statement saying it "recognizes the vital role of journalists in delivering relevant and timely information to the public especially now that the country is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic."

It explained that on top of the press releases and daily case bulletins, its Media Relations Unit has already set up a group chat where queries may be sent anytime; a thrice a week regular media fora; and review sessions on scientific bases of key policies.

The DOH said it established a request system for one-on-one interviews "with the intent of ensuring that the most appropriate DOH official will be assigned."

"Should the interview topics require extensive data gathering or vetting, we may need ample lead time to prepare and we seek your understanding and patience," it added.

The DOH reiterated to deliver the right information to the public at the soonest possible time, "recognizing how challenging this may be given discussions and directions are evolving at an unprecedented speed."—LDF, GMA News