ICHPC demands public apology from CLO chief
Photojournalist Arnold Almacen
The Iloilo City Hall Press Corps, Inc (ICHPC) yesterday unanimously approved a resolution demanding public apology from City Legal Office (CLO) chief Atty. Edgardo Gil for conduct unbecoming of a public official
The passage of the resolution is an offshoot of last Tuesday's incident involving Gil and Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent and Daily Headlines photographer Arnold Almacen at the Iloilo City Hall in Robinsons Place.
Almacen was taking pictures while other members of the ICHPC was interviewing Gil when the latter pushed away Almacen's camera. The incident worsened when two other members of the ICHPC namely Bert Ladera of RMN 774 and Rhonson Hofileña of Aksyon Radyo heard Gil scolding Almacen "Gago ka karon a! Kon magkuha ka litrato lisensia ka anay."
"The ICHPC believes that as a public official Atty. Gil is open to media scrutiny more so that the incident happened within the confines of his office. The ICHPC strongly demands that Atty Gil issue a public apology towards members of the Fourth Estate whom he has offended because of his unbecoming act," reads part of the resolution.
The ICHPC led by its President Lucy Montealto of dyLL Radyo ng Bayan strongly condemned Gil's unbecoming conduct. The ICHPC is a duly recognized organization of reporters covering the City Hall beat. It is composed of legitimate members of the fourth estate.
The members of the ICHPC went to Gil's office to get his reaction regarding the discovery of an alleged tampered power meter in his compound in Burgos Street, Lapaz by the personnel from Panay Electric Company Inc. (Peco) last April 15, 2008. Peco stood pat on their inspection report though it was not reported to the Lapaz Police Station.
Copies of the resolution was furnished to the office of Mayor Jerry Treñas as well as Gil's office. Earlier, Treñas defended Gil saying that each person is unique and their privacy should be respected. The mayor also said Gil must face the issue.