Airport press responds

We, reporters covering the airport beat and representing various media organizations, strongly take exception to the unfounded, reckless and malicious allegations made by your columnist, Cito Beltran.

In his column dated Oct. 2, not only did he irresponsibly make a very sweeping accusation that all of us were or are involved in shenanigans. He also made it appear that all government agencies operating within the airport are purported involved in irregularities, in collusion with the media assigned at the airports, without even an iota of solid basis or evidence and without identifying them.

As media members, we are all aware of the basic ethics governing our profession. Setting aside the unwritten rule that media members are not to attack one another, especially sans solid basis, the basic rule in journalism dictates that when writing an adverse story, we are dutybound to get the other side, in the spirit of fair play – always.

For your kind information, all of us undergo constant rigid screening before gaining access IDs to the airports. This includes the provision of NBI clearances every so often and accreditation from our respective offices and even attending seminars.

The accusations wantonly hurled by your columnist demonized not only all of the reporters covering the airport, but also the government workers in the airport, including the airport management and the national government itself which, based on the context of Beltran’s column, seemingly allow all the irregularities he alleged have begun since the 60s, conveniently leaving out the fact that his own brother covered the airport beat and could therefore be the template of his sweeping accusation.

White paper? Since when did a piece of trash become a basis for published columns? It is lamentable that he debases your paper’s status into a rumor mill and that the reason behind the malicious imputations against such a large number of people who have reputations to protect, is highly suspect. But that is another story.

In view of all the baseless and highly defamatory remarks made by Beltran directed at all media members covering the aviation beat, we kindly request that he name names and for him to pinpoint the government workers, particularly from the immigration and the customs bureaus, whom he accused of connivance and for him to present evidence to back up the same. The burden of proof lies on the accuser.

Given your newspaper’s reputation when it comes to fair journalism, we know and hope that this letter will be acted upon favorably, in keeping with the mantra that appears beside your paper’s masthead, one that is even lifted from a Bible verse – The Truth Shall Prevail. – Ariel Fernandez, President, Airport Press Club