Negros media set protest vs ROR bill
BACOLOD CITY -- Members of Negros Press Club and other media organization in the province will stage a protest against the passage of the Right of Reply (ROR) Bill on March 19, at around 5 p.m.
Negros Press Club president Edgar Cadagat said he is encouraging all the media personalities to join the cause as he described the bill as an anathema to an independent press that will curtail the freedom of speech and expression.
He also cited that the bill is in violation of the Constitution, more importantly press freedom.
Cadagat in a meeting last week together with the Board of Directors has unanimously approved the holding of the protest action on the said date.
He encouraged the media to wear red or a combination of red and black clothes as a sign of protest.
The assembly area is in front of the Negros Press Club building, and the protest action will start with a candle lightning ceremony in front of the Media Martyrs’ Memorial at the public plaza.
It will be followed with a march around the plaza ending at the Fountain of Justice where media leaders and members are going to air their protests through speeches.
The Right of Reply Bill in the House of Representative is sponsored by Bacolod Lone District Congressman Monico Puentevella while Senator Aquilino Pimentel in the Senate.
It is now pending for further deliberation in both houses of Congress after it has been a big issue in the country when Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) and even print media aired their opposition.