NUJP condemns blacklisting of 3 Bombo personnel at Capitol

By Erly C. Garcia

The National Union of Jounalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Iloilo Chapter expressed concern over the blacklisting of three Bombo Radyo Iloilo personnel from all press functions at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

In a statement, NUJP Iloilo through chairperson Diosa Labiste and secretary general Nestor Burgos called on “ our colleagues to unite, set aside differences and oppose the blacklisting and similar measures.”

Provincial administrator Manuel “Boy” Mejorada told Capitol beat reporters Wednesday that Roger Gencianeo, Bombo Radyo's beat reporter in the Capitol, along with hard-hitting commentators Rhoderick Tecson and Novie Guazo could no longer be allowed to join press conferences and other press functions at the Capitol.

Mejorada cited as reason for the blacklisting of said Bombo Radyo personnel their apparent bias and unfair treatment of Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr. and other provincial government officials.

NUJP claimed that “blacklisting reporters from interviewing official sources and covering press conferences is imposing prior restraint on journalists and the media.”

“This will effectively make difficult if not prevent them from doing their jobs considering that public officials are sources of information and it is media's role to bring this information to the public,” it added.

Last Monday (May 30) Tupas berated Roger Gencianeo and threatened to throw his tape recorder during a press conference at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol attended by many reporters.

NUJP noted that the governor's stance was uncalled for and “(w)e hope this is the last time that such a scene happens.”

“While it is true that Governor Tupas has been subjected to criticisms over the air waves, particularly from Bombo Radyo- Iloilo, we expect him to be transparent and to be above it all, being the highest elected official in the province,” the NUJP statement reads.

The press group further stated that: If he feels that he was unfairly treated by some news organizations, the Governor can always file the appropriate legal charges against those whom he believes have wronged him.

NUJP likewise called on media practitioners to uphold journalism ethics.

“Media will always be a watchdog of government and public officials should expect scrutiny in all their actions and transactions. On the other hand, media practitioners should themselves be held accountable for their acts and the information they deliver to the public,” the NUJP ended.