Fellow reporters back embattled journalist

CEBU, Philippines -  The Media in Cebu South has passed a resolution showing its full support to its member, Gabriel Bonjoc, who is facing a libel suit filed by Talisay City administrator John Yre de los Reyes.

The resolution was approved unanimously by all members of the said media organization shortly after De los Reyes submitted his complaint against Bonjoc last week.

MICS is an organization of tri-media reporters assigned in Talisay City and the rest of Cebu's first district.

MICS president Justin K. Vestil said they came up with the move to support their fellow reporter, who has been with the organization since it was formed in 2008. He said it was also their way of showing to the public that their organization is united. 

The document was signed by Vestil of Sunstar Cebu, Garry Lao of The FREEMAN, Brenda Batuto of Banat News, Arnel Pahanonot of Bombo Radyo, Jun Migallen of Superbalita, Dennes Tabar of CCTN, Garry Cabotaje (president emeritus) and Futch Anthony Inso of dyHP.

Bonjoc is a reporter of dySS assigned in Talisay City. He also maintains a program in the said radio station.

"We made the resolution because we feel that Gabriel needs to be supported in what he is facing right now," Vestil said.

He, however, clarified that the move is not to condemn De los Reyes.

"We are not condemning Mr. De los Reyes for filing charges against Gabriel. It's his right to do so. But we also ask city officials not to be onion-skinned as we are only there to cover the issues within our beat. We always try to get both sides of the story in order to ensure fairness within an issue concerning the city," he said.

De los Reyes' complaint stemmed from Bonjoc's purported statement describing him as "Prinsipe sa Kangitngit" and "karaho" which he said were libelous and derogatory as a public official.

De los Reyes is one of the sons of Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes who is also facing a string of charges before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for alleged involvement in irregularities and shady deals at the City Hall. Allegedly, these have earned him new cars and real estate properties.

The recent complaint filed against him by a city resident was about an alleged overpriced purchase of a rescue vehicle.

Following this development, Mayor De los Reyes replaced his controversial son as chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee and made him a member.  (FREEMAN)