MANILA, Philippines - Even if the right of reply bill being pushed by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. does not cover members of the foreign media, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) expressed opposition to it and called on legislators to withdraw support for the measure.
“If passed into law, the proposed legislation will violate freedom of the press. It constitutes prior restraint and interferes with editorial judgment by telling reporters and editors what and what not to write, publish and broadcast. In addition, it decides how much space and time should be given to one side of the story, undermining editorial discretion in consideration of other news stories of greater public interest,” FOCAP said in a statement.
FOCAP said it “strongly doubts” claims that the proposed law would help end media killings.
“We believe the only way to stop media killings is a determined effort by authorities and concerned citizens to eradicate the culture of impunity in the Philippines by catching the killers and masterminds, prosecuting and convicting them in a swift and convincing manner. Using this ‘right’ to stop murder is like using a slingshot to kill a tiger,” the group said.
FOCAP argued the bill was against the Philippine Constitution, “which clearly states that there should be no law passed to abridge the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”
“As a professional group established at the height of martial law purposely to overcome media controls, FOCAP is keenly aware of and is sensitive to any threats to a free press,” it said.
The group also expressed belief the bill was unnecessary because “it is a basic right of anyone to defend himself anywhere, including in the media.”
“Persons who somehow feel aggrieved by what appears in the media have many ways to protect and defend their rights and interests. They can write to complain to the media entity or the journalists concerned or even bring a case to court,” FOCAP said.
“In many instances, it is actually more difficult for the media to get replies from persons who are subject of news stories. We, as journalists, have often faced numerous obstacles in getting comments from concerned parties. What we ought to have instead is a law that compels people — especially government officials and corporations — to reply, react or comment when public interest is affected. Congress also should speed up passage of a Freedom of Information Act,” FOCAP stressed.
FOCAP believes that only the principle of fair play and balanced reporting – the hallmarks of responsible journalism – will ensure that the “other side” is given a voice in any media platform. “Legislating this just won’t work,” it said.